Jackson Pratt Drain (JP Drain) is a small tube with holes that is put under the incision. A bulb container is attached to the tube to hold the drainage.
Emptying the JP Drain into a Cup
- Wash your hands
- Hold the bulb upright
- Open the plug at the top
- Empty the drainage into a cup. Do not touch the tip of the plug
- While squeezing the blub, replace the plug. The bulb should look flattened or squeezed together
- Wash your hands
- Measure the drainage and color of the output and record the amount. Empty the drainage into the toilet
- Wash your hands
Emptying the JP Drain Using a Syringe
- Wash your hands
- Hold the bulb upright
- Open the plug at the top
- Wipe the site with alcohol wipes and attach the syringe by turning it in a clockwise motion
- Pull back on the syringe plunger to remove as much fluid as you can, without using too much force
- Disconnect the syringe
- While squeezing the blub, replace the plug. The bulb should look flattened or squeezed together
- Wash your hands
- Measure the drainage and color of the output and record the amount. Empty the drainage into the toilet
- Wash your hands
Notes
- If your child’s dressing is un-occlusive or no longer sticking to their skin, it is best to sterilely change the dressing to avoid bacteria entering the insertion site and acquiring a central line associated blood infection.
- To change central line dressing, gather supplies: Dressing change kit and a transparent dressing. Prepare supplies on sterile field by removing from packaging. Some kits may appear different from what we are using. Include 2 chloraprep swabs, chlorohexidine bio-patch, mastisol or any sticky adhesive, and skin prep to protect your child’s skin.
This information should not replace medical advice from your doctors or medical team. We encourage our readers to follow their transplant team's medical advice and reach out to their doctors and medical team for further recommendations.
