[DMP]

Can anyone tell me why the blood from drains from wounds (i.e. hemovacs, Jackson-Pratt drains, Stryker drains, chest tubes, etc.) does NOT clot within the normal clotting time (i.e. minutes) of entering the drain system? Is there an anticoagulant added to the drain or what?

[pickledpepperRN]

The blood is mixed with serous fluid too. When it is almost all blood as when the patient is actively bleeding it does clot. Then notify the MD. Make sure the patient gets a CBC. Get help!
If a fresh post op with chest tube(s) make sure you are trained for the care of that patient before accepting the assignment.

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