PureWick System Setup and Disposal Guide

In this project, I’ll demonstrate how to properly assemble a PureWick external female catheter system. This setup provides a comfortable, noninvasive way to manage urinary output and maintain hygiene for patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility. Understanding how to assemble it correctly helps ensure effective suction, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient safety and dignity.

Tools and Materials

A: Urine measuring and holding cup

B: Lid for measuring and holding cup

C: Solidifying bottle

D: Short hose

E: Long hose

F: Lid elbow joiner

G: PureWick labeler

H: Vaginal cleaner

I: PureWick external catheter device

J: Vacuum (the suction source)

1. Attach the Lid (B) to the Urine Measuring and Holding Cup (A)
2. Align the lid (B) with the top of the urine measuring and holding cup (A), making sure the four joining clips line up evenly around the rim.
3. Press down firmly until you hear or feel each of the four joiners snap securely into place.
4. Check the seal by gently lifting the lid (B). The cup (A) should lift with it without wiggling or moving.
5. If the cup shifts, press down again on any loose joiner until the lid is fully secured.

See Figure 2: Attaching the lid (B) to the urine measuring and holding cup (A).

1. Remove the Small Clear Piece from the Short Hose (D)
2. Locate the small clear connector attached to one end of the short hose (D).
3. Gently pull the clear piece off the hose to remove it completely.
4. Discard the clear piece as it is not needed for this assembly.
5. Keep only the blue-capped hose for the next step.

Figure 3: Removing the clear connector from the short hose (D). Only the blue-capped hose is needed for assembly.

1. Inspect the top of the lid (B) and find the two labeled openings marked “Patient” and “Vacuum.”
2. Confirm that all other openings on the lid are securely capped or closed. This helps maintain proper suction once the system is connected.
3. Keep the “Patient” and “Vacuum” ports uncovered as they will be used in the next step of assembly.

Figure 4: Identifying the “Patient” and “Vacuum” openings on the lid (B).

1. Locate the “Vacuum” port on the top of the lid (B).
2. Take the blue-capped short hose (D) and align either end with the opening of the “Vacuum” port. Both ends are identical and will fit securely.
3. Press the hose firmly onto the port until it fits snugly and cannot be easily pulled off.
4. Check the connection to make sure it is tight and secure. A proper seal is necessary for suction to work correctly during operation.

Figure 5: Connecting the short hose (D) onto the “Vacuum” port on the lid (B).

1. Locate the “Patient” port on the top of the lid (B).
2. Attach the elbow joiner (F) by pressing its wider opening onto the “Patient” port.
3. Take the long hose (E) and press one end onto the smaller opening of the elbow joiner (F). Both ends of hose (E) are identical, so it does not matter which side you use.
4. The elbow shape of part (F) helps prevent the patient hose from kinking and keeps the tubing aligned for smooth airflow.
5. Check both connections to make sure the hose and elbow are secure and firmly attached.

Figure 6: Connecting the elbow joiner (F) between the “Patient” port on lid (B) and the long hose (E).

1. Locate the PureWick label (G) included with your setup materials.
2. Use a permanent marker to neatly write your initials, the current date, and the time of setup on the label.
3. Find the PureWick external catheter device (I) and identify the short connecting tube at one end of it.
4. Slide the open sleeve of the label (G) onto the short tube of the catheter device (I) until it fits snugly in place.
5. Position the label so that it is clearly visible for easy identification.
6. Proper labeling and placement help ensure accurate recordkeeping and easy verification during setup or replacement (every 8-12 hours).

Figure 7: Filling out and attaching the PureWick label (G) onto the external catheter device (I).

1. Locate the PureWick external catheter device (I) and make sure the label (G) is already attached as shown in Figure 7.
2. Align the open end of the long hose (E) with the short connector on the end of the PureWick device (I).
3. Press the hose firmly onto the connector until it fits securely and cannot be easily pulled off.
4. Check the connection to confirm that the hose (E) and device (I) are fully attached with no gaps or looseness.
5. Review the setup visually to ensure the tubing runs smoothly from the “Patient” port on the lid (B) through the elbow joiner (F) and hose (E) to the PureWick device (I).

Figure 8: Close-up of the long hose (E) connected to the PureWick device (I) with label (G).

Figure 9: Full assembly view showing all connected parts (A through I) for reference.

1. Locate the wall-mounted holder or suction canister bracket in the patient’s room, typically positioned near the vacuum unit (J).
2. Carefully set the urine measuring and holding cup (A) into the holder, keeping it level so the lid (B) and attached tubing remain secure.
3. Confirm the cup is fully seated in the holder and not tilted or loose. A stable placement helps prevent spills and maintains proper suction flow once the system is active.
4. Make sure the connected hoses (D and E) have enough slack to reach their connections without kinking or pulling.

Figure 10: The urine measuring and holding cup (A) placed securely into the in-room holder below the vacuum unit (J).

1. Locate the vacuum unit (J) in the patient’s room. It is typically mounted near the bed on the wall or bedside suction panel.
2. Find the open end of the long hose (E) that is not already attached to the PureWick device (I).
3. Press the blue-capped end of the hose (E) onto the vacuum unit’s suction port until it fits snugly and forms a secure seal.
4. Ensure the connection is tight by gently pulling on the hose to confirm it stays in place.

*Note: Home versions of vacuum units also exist. Always follow the specific manufacturer’s instructions for setup and suction control to ensure safe operation.

Figure 11: Connecting the long hose (E) onto the vacuum unit (J), typically located near the patient’s bed.

1. Switch the vacuum unit (J) to the “REG” setting to activate regular suction, as shown in Figure 12.
2. Turn the control knob to adjust suction to the level required by hospital policy and/or the recommendation of a licensed professional.
3. Observe the tubing and all connections to make sure there are no kinks, leaks, or loose fittings that could reduce suction.
4. Check for airflow by holding your hand close to the PureWick external catheter device (I). You should feel a gentle, even pull of air through the soft white wick.
5. Listen for a smooth suction sound from the vacuum unit (J). A consistent sound indicates the system is sealed correctly.
6. If suction feels weak or inconsistent, reinspect each connection from the vacuum port to the PureWick device, ensuring all fittings are secure.
7. Once suction is verified, switch the vacuum back to “OFF” until ready for patient use.

Figure 12: Setting the vacuum unit (J) to “REG” for suction testing. The red circle highlights the correct switch position.

1. Gather the vaginal cleaning wipes (H) and follow the directions provided on the packaging. Always use the wipes as instructed by the manufacturer, as their guidelines are designed for safe and effective cleaning.
2. Clean the vaginal area thoroughly before placing the PureWick device. Proper cleaning reduces infection risk and ensures the device adheres and functions correctly.
3. Position the PureWick external catheter (I) gently between the patient’s thighs, with the soft white wick aligned toward the perineum and the blue tubing facing away from the body.
4. Ensure the device rests comfortably against the perineal area without tension or pressure on the tubing.
5. Check that all tubing connections leading from the catheter to the suction canister (A) and vacuum unit (J) remain secure and untwisted.

Figure 13: Cleaning the vaginal area (H) and positioning the PureWick device (I) correctly, connected to the suction system (A, J). Reference image adapted from Newton, C. (2016, August 4). “PureWick User Instructions.” YouTube. https://youtu.be/xSOuvcShikw?si=2R7yw98QI4EwIPz3

1. Turn off the vacuum unit (J) before beginning cleanup or disconnection.
2. Disconnect the short hose (D) from the vacuum unit (J) to safely remove the collection container from suction.
3. Open the largest port on the lid (B) of the urine measuring and holding cup (A).
4. Pour the solidifying powder (C) into the container through this open port.
5. Remove the container from the wall stand and gently swirl it for 30–45 seconds, or until the collected urine has thickened into a solid gel-like state.
6. Dispose of all components including the container (A), lid (B), hoses (D and E), PureWick device (I), and label (G) according to facility policy.
7. Retain only the vacuum unit (J) and its wall mount, as these remain attached for continued use.

Figure 14: Adding solidifier (C) into the largest port on lid (B) before swirling the container (A) to safely dispose of waste.