Blood color in drain

Aram

Hey all, what was the blood color in your drain. My right drain was pinkish and it was taken out a week after surgery. My left one has this black color to it. Ps left it for 4 more days and he is looking at it tomorrow. He said we are being extremely conservative. But I still find the color puzzling. Anybody else experienced this color?

exbrnxgrl

Aram,

This is a strictly my personal experience. Lots of post surgical “stuff” can enter the drain tubes. Even small bits of blood can tint the transparent fluid pink. I won’t venture to guess what the black coloring might be but glad that you’re seeing your doctor soon. Take care

NNS121317

Hi Aram,

I can't comment on the drain contents - I'm hopefully getting mine out tomorrow, but haven't seen anything black. Try to be encouraged that your doctor is being conservative, though, and leaving it in - my stepdaughter had drains after a breast reduction, they were pulled too soon, the resulting seroma became infected and she ended up septic! I know the drains are rough, but hang in there

Aram

exbrnxgrl, thank you. Dr Google says it might be normal too but still I would have preferred it to be pinkish like the other one.

NNS, I am sorry about your stepdaughter. I definitely prefer conservative when it comes to health decisions.

pchyen

Hi Aram, Nicole had 3 drains. One of the drain was a bleeder right after surgery and nurse had to put pressure on the site for over 40 minutes to stop the bleeding. That drain also was dark for a few weeks comparing to the other 2. Colour changed within 2-3 days to light pink/clear.

The rule for her drain removal wasnot the colour but rather the amount of fluid coming out. I think less than 20cc for 2 consecutive days or more.

Aram

Thank you Peter. I hope Nicole is doing well.

I saw another PS who was in the hospital today (my own PS wasn't there). He wasn't concerned but he didn't take out the drain. He said in 5 to 10 percent of patients this happens. I have had clots apparently and now they are breaking down, giving the black color to the blood. I will be back to see my own PS in 3 days.