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issues such as cost and supplies as I imagine parts are disposable and need to be changed

Purewick is the best. Then I got my own vac pump and separator. Learned that trick at the hospital! I also learned how to reline the catheter. But I only get about 3 to 4 reconditioning before I have to buy a new one.
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Reply to Sample
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Just as a side note: If you can at all help it, and I understand it's not always possible, please avoid collecting any Urine Samples for testing that has passed through a PureWick or other external catheter System. There are too many problems associated with PureWick and similar collected samples, causing missed diagnosis, and Misdiagnosis. If you must, be sure the canister and tubing is FRESH or very well cleaned and dried, use ONLY the first urine collected into the canister, never a mixture of more than one urination, and be sure to refrigerate any sample that cannot be tested or transported/dropped off at the lab or clinic within one hour. It's very tempting to allow the external catheter to collect urine into the canister for hours before aliquoting a sample for testing, thinking you'll get to it when you get to it. Or you'll take the sample off when the canister is full and you're emptying it. But you cannot do this. Additionally, a urine sample meant for testing MUST be refrigerated if it cannot be transported to the lab and/or tested within one hour of collection and must be in the lab within 24 hours of collection. The same is true if you are collecting a 24 hours sample. The urine MUST be transferred to the 24 hour container immediately after urination so it is exposed to the preservative in the 24 hour container. You simply cannot wait until the wall canister is full to transfer the entire wall canister to the container. Take it from "the lab girl" (me) and fellow care taker. A properly collected sample will save you weeks of frustration and worry should you or your person become ill with something diagnosed by Urine Sample. If you can get them/yourself to the toilet, hold the cup, or use a hat. If you can't, you may have to find a way to have them straight cathed. Visiting Nurse, Urgent Care or ED. Only use a sample collected Via External Catheter if you have no other choice and do it properly and then store and transport it properly in a timely manner.
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Reply to mommabeans
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We did purchase the Purewick for our mom. Two things I’ll mention… 1. It’s a bit pricey but you do have a clinician you can call to help troubleshoot the system and 2. Getting it positioned can be a challenge! While it collects a good portion of urine, there will be saturated pads if it is pulled out of place or not in the right area from the start. My mom has Alzheimer’s and was quite aware that it was there! She didn’t care for it but didn’t pull on it.
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Reply to Slang4mom
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We have been using PureWick at home for three years now without incident. I cannot speak highly enough about it! Been a life saver for us.
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Reply to LovingHeart26
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Try Purewick or a Hollister Pouch-style
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Reply to Geaton777
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