PureWick Care Guidelines and Replacement Frequency
Direct Answer
The PureWick external urinary catheter should be changed based on clinical indication (when soiled, saturated, or no longer functioning properly) rather than on a fixed time schedule, with daily evaluation of continued need to minimize complications. 1, 2
Device-Specific Management
Replacement Frequency
No routine replacement interval exists for external urinary collection devices like PureWick—change the device when it becomes saturated, soiled, loses suction effectiveness, or is no longer clinically needed 1, 2
Daily assessment of the continued need for the device is essential to minimize infection risk and other complications 1, 2
Remove the PureWick as early as possible when urinary management no longer requires external collection 1, 2
Infection Risk Considerations
The infection rate associated with PureWick use is approximately 9.8 infections per 1000 device days, which is comparable to indwelling urinary catheters 3
One study found that CAUTI rates actually increased after introduction of PureWick (from 2.3 to 9.3 infections per 1000 catheter days), suggesting these devices do not eliminate infection risk 3
Antimicrobial prophylaxis is not recommended at the time of device placement or removal 1
Hygiene and Skin Care
Protect the device and connecting tubing with an impermeable cover during showering to prevent contamination 1
Inspect the perineal area and surrounding skin daily for signs of breakdown, moisture damage, or irritation (though not explicitly stated in guidelines, this follows standard principles for moisture-associated skin damage prevention)
Ensure proper positioning of the wicking material against the perineum to optimize urine collection and minimize skin contact with urine
Clinical Indications for Immediate Replacement
Replace the PureWick immediately if: blockage occurs, leakage develops around the device, the wicking material becomes saturated and ineffective, or signs of infection appear 1
If a urinary tract infection develops while the device has been in place for ≥2 weeks and continued use is necessary, replace the device to hasten symptom resolution 1
Important Caveats
PureWick may not reduce CAUTI rates as initially hoped—one institutional study showed increased IUC days and higher CAUTI rates after PureWick introduction, possibly due to inappropriate patient selection or concurrent indwelling catheter use 3
The device can be used to collect urine for chemistry testing without altering results (glucose, electrolytes, creatinine, protein), making it suitable for monitoring purposes 4
PureWick is designed as a non-invasive alternative to indwelling catheters for incontinent women, but should not be considered risk-free 5