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Daily exit-site care can help avoid dialysis catheter infection
The exit site is the place where the peritoneal dialysis catheter comes out of your skin. Germs that may start growing at an exit site can travel into your abdomen and cause infection.
What you need:
- Antibacterial soap
- Clean wash cloth
- Clean towel
- Gauze swab or cotton tip
- Recommended antibiotic cream
- Clean gauze dressing
- Clean disposable towel
- Tape
- Face mask
Before you start:
Gather supplies
Wash and dry hands
Carefully remove old dressing
Keep dialysis catheter and transfer set taped to skin
Inspection
Notify your healthcare team if your exit site is red, painful, swollen, or draining. Check your exit site and the area around it. Feel the area around the catheter and check catheter for cracks, slits or tiny holes.
Cleaning
- Clean gently around the exit site with a clean wash cloth and antibacterial soap
- Start cleaning close to the exit site and move out from the exit site using a circular motion
- Rinse well
- Gently and thoroughly pat the exit site dry with a clean towel or facecloth
Apply cream and secure dialysis catheter
- If recommended by your centre, apply a small amount of the recommended antibiotic cream around the exit site using gauze swab or cotton tip
- Apply a clean dressing and tape securely in place
- Make sure the catheter is securely taped to your skin. Apply new tape if needed.
Always do exit-site care exactly as you have been taught every time. Repeat exit-site care if the exit-site becomes wet or dirty.
