clogged or backed up.
The cost is what deters a lot of facilities from dock-to-drain suc-
tion units. They can run tens of thousands of dollars. However,
when you consider the cost of canisters, solidifiers, tubing and
exposure to staff, many of our readers say it pays for itself.
From an infection point of view, a closed, direct-to-drain suction
system is ideal because no one comes close to the fluid. The system
takes fluid straight from point A — the patient — to point B — the
drain. There's no mobile unit getting in the way. Instead, it's suction
tubing that connects to the wall or ceiling. The fluid doesn't even have
a chance to hit the floor.
It completely confines liquid waste, eliminating splash and airborne
risks. Problem is, unless your facility was built with one, it can be
expensive to add it. It involves reconstruction and plumbing, which
means closing the OR for a period — not something your facility
might have time for.
Closed, direct-to-drain suction systems aren't without flaw, though.
The suction can get weak when the tubing is pulled or when multiple
lines are hooked up to it.
OSM
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