BD PureWick™ in the Hospital: A Non-Invasive Alternative to Foley Catheters and Diapers
BD PureWick™ in the Hospital – A Non-Invasive Alternative to Foley Catheters and Diapers
For a long time, the management of urinary incontinence in hospitalized female patients was limited to two options: an indwelling (Foley) catheter or pads/diapers. Both have known risks. The BD PureWick™ System consists of a soft external catheter placed between the labia and a collection system that draws urine by continuous suction into a 2,000 mL graduated canister. It is not inserted into the body. Prizma-Med is the exclusive Türkiye distributor for BD PureWick™.
This section is intended for healthcare professionals.
Risks of conventional methods
- Foley catheter: Prolonged catheterization is the most important risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The risk of CAUTI is higher in women than in men.
- Pads / diapers: Skin that remains wet may increase the risk of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and pressure injuries; frequent changes of linen and pads add to the nursing workload.
- Getting up to use the toilet: Getting up to use the toilet, especially at night, is a known cause of falls in older patients.
One system, four key benefits
- May help reduce the risk of CAUTI
- Helps keep the skin dry
- May help reduce the risk of falls by reducing night-time trips to the toilet
- Does not require wall suction; plugs into an outlet and works at the bedside
Evidence
- A 55% reduction in the CAUTI rate among female ICU patients (from 3.14 to 1.42 per 1,000 catheter days; p=0.013; single-center, before-and-after comparison) – Zavodnick et al., Cureus 2020.
- A 50% reduction in the number of CAUTIs after hospital-wide implementation at one hospital – Dublynn and Episcopia, APIC 2019 conference abstract (Am J Infect Control 2019).
- Median urine capture above 95% in healthy volunteers (n=71), regardless of body mass index – McRae and Kennelly, Continence 2023.
The cited clinical results are based on single-center studies; results may vary between centers. The best results are achieved with appropriate patient selection, team training and use of the product as part of a CAUTI prevention bundle.
Areas of use
- Intensive care: May support early removal of the Foley catheter in patients without retention; urine output can be monitored on the graduated canister.
- Postoperative / recovery: In-bed urine management after Foley removal once urinary retention has been ruled out.
- Angiography and cardiology: Urine management without a bedpan during bed rest after femoral access.
- Neurology and stroke: In incontinent patients with limited mobility, may help keep the skin dry and reduce the risk of falls related to night-time trips.
- Orthopedics and trauma: An alternative to the bedpan during periods of restricted mobility, such as hip fracture and arthroplasty.
- Internal medicine, geriatrics and palliative care: In patients who urinate frequently and are at high risk of falls, may reduce the need to get out of bed and frequent diaper changes.
Because it does not depend on wall suction, it can be used at any bed with an electrical outlet.
Appropriate patient selection
Suitable candidates:
- Patients who require urine output monitoring but have no indication for a Foley catheter
- Urinary incontinence and/or frequent urination
- Skin damage or irritation related to incontinence or diapers
- Restricted mobility or bed rest after surgery or an intervention
- Difficulty walking to the toilet or using a bedpan; patients at high risk of falls related to night-time trips
Contraindicated / not recommended / use with caution:
- Patients with urinary retention (contraindication)
- Agitated, aggressive or uncooperative patients who may remove the catheter
- Frequent fecal incontinence without a stool management system
- Skin irritation or damage at the application site
- Patients with moderate/heavy menstrual bleeding who cannot use a tampon
- Caution is needed in patients who have recently undergone surgery of the external urogenital area
Application and care
- The catheter is placed between the separated gluteal muscles and the labia, with the gauze side facing the patient, the lower end aligned with the gluteal cleft and the upper end at the level of the pubic bone.
- Replace the catheter every 8–12 hours or when soiled with stool or blood; check the skin and the catheter approximately every 2 hours.
- Do not apply barrier cream to the perineal area; it may impair suction. Do not use with a bedpan.
- The canister, lid, tubing and housing are cleaned with each use, at least once a day, and disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol; the canister and tubing are replaced at least every 60 days.
- Suction test: Immerse the end of the collection tubing in water; if the system draws at least 500 mL in 20 seconds, it is working properly.
Ordering information
- PureWick™ Female External Catheter, 30 per case (contains dry natural rubber)
- PureWick™ Urine Collection System, 1 unit
Contact us for orders and current product codes.
Demo and training requests
For clinical evaluation, nursing training and samples: Phone +90 342 360 64 50 · WhatsApp +90 533 349 61 62 · info@prizmamed.com.tr
References: Zavodnick J et al. Cureus 2020;12(10):e11113 · Dublynn T, Episcopia B. Am J Infect Control 2019;47(6):S39-40 · McRae AD, Kennelly M. Continence 2023;7:100712 · Maki D, Tambyah P. Emerg Infect Dis 2001;7(2):342-47 · Soliman Y et al. Rev Urol 2016;18(1):28-32.