Seldinger chest drain script

  • Explain indication for chest drain
  • Checks for contra-indication

shopping list

Antiseptic solution with applicator (e.g. chlorhexidine applied with ChloraPrep™)
Sterile drapes, gown, and gloves
Sterile field (e.g. wound care pack)
Sterile gauze
5-10ml local anaesthetic, such as 1% lidocaine
23G (blue) or 25G (orange) needle
21G (green) needle
10ml syringe x2
Seldinger chest drain kit (12F suitable for most indications)
Chest drain drainage bottles & tubes
Sterile water for chest drain bottle
Straight needle suture (non-absorbable 0 or 1/0 silk)
Scalpel (if not included in chest drain kit)
Transparent dressing
Appropriate containers to collect fluid for microbiology, cytology, and biochemistry results (if a diagnosis is required)
Ultrasound machine with sterile ultrasound probe sheath (for effusions)