PurTube^® Uterine Lavage Tube

Instructions for use, care, cleaning and sterilization. PURTUBE is made from polyurethane (PUR) — phthalate-free and plasticizer-free FDA-grade material, made in the USA by an equine veterinarian with design intent for veterinarians.

8 mm

Inside diameter

13 mm

Outside diameter

7.5 ft

Length (≈ 229 cm)

PUR

Phthalate & plasticizer free

SKU PTUL08075202601

Know your tube

Every PurTube carries printed markings along its length. Here is what each one tells you.

1. Depth scale (cm) – Starts at 100 about 10 cm after the branding begins and counts down every 10 cm (100, 90, 80 … 10) to 0 at the insertion tip, so the number at the vulva shows insertion depth.
2. Vented insertion end – Formed, vented tip that goes into the uterus; this is the 0 cm point.

1Individual ID & bar code

Each tube is printed with its own serial number and a matching machine-readable bar code (and QR code). Scan or record it to tie a specific tube to a patient record, cleaning log or sterilization load — and to trace it back to its production lot.

2Centimeter rule

The numbers printed along the tube are the distance, in centimeters, measured from the formed, vented insertion end (the end that goes into the mare) outward toward the end that stays outside. Read the number at the vulva to know exactly how far in you are.

38 mm inside diameter

Uterine lavage tubes are specified by inside diameter because the bore sets the flow rate. The 8 mm ID moves fluid in and out quickly, shortening each lavage cycle and improving efficiency.

4No Christmas-tree fitting

There is no barbed “Christmas-tree” connector pushed into the bore. Barbed fittings narrow the lumen and create stress points where tubing cracks and flow slows. The PurTube Smart Adapter keeps the full 8 mm bore from end to end.

The Smart Adapter system

The Smart Adapter screws onto the end of the tube using the included key. It attaches without narrowing the 8 mm internal diameter and forms a secure, removable base for your accessories. Because the adapter screws on and off, you can cut the tube to whatever length suits your practice and simply re-fit the adapter to the new end.

Fitting & removing the Smart Adapter

1. Cut to length (optional)

   Cut only the outer end — never the formed, vented insertion end. The centimeter rule reads from the insertion end, so the mark where you cut is the finished length. Cut the tube squarely with a sharp blade or tubing cutter — a clean, straight end seats and seals best. Do not crush the tube with scissors.

2. Engage the key

   Seat the included key on the Smart Adapter.

3. Screw the adapter on

   Align the adapter with the tube end and turn the key clockwise until the adapter is fully seated and snug. Do not over-tighten.

4. Attach your accessory

   Fit the funnel (bottle) or the bag spike (fluid bag) to the adapter. Check the connection before filling.

5. To remove

   Detach the accessory, seat the key and turn counter-clockwise to unscrew the adapter from the tube.

Care & cleaning — step by step

Clean the tube and components as soon as possible after each use. Dried organic material is harder to remove and can shield microorganisms from disinfection and sterilization.

1. Remove the accessories

   Detach the funnel or bag spike from the Smart Adapter.

2. Remove the Smart Adapter

   Use the key to unscrew the adapter from the tube (turn counter-clockwise). Every component is cleaned separately — nothing stays assembled.

3. Pre-rinse

   Immediately flush the tube lumen with clean, lukewarm water until it runs clear, and rinse the outside. Rinse the adapter, funnel and spike, paying attention to threads and grooves.

4. Wash

   Flush the lumen and wipe the exterior with a mild, neutral-pH or enzymatic detergent. Use a soft brush sized to the bore where available. Scrub adapter threads and accessory surfaces with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.

5. Disinfect in dilute chlorhexidine

   Submerge the tube and components in dilute chlorhexidine: 1 part 2% chlorhexidine solution to 10 parts water.
   • Fill the lumen completely — lift and tilt the coil so no air pockets remain inside.
   • Soak for the contact time stated on the disinfectant label.
   • Do not use solvents such as acetone, or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the tube surface and print.

6. Final rinse

   Flush the lumen and rinse all components with sterile or distilled water to remove disinfectant residue.

7. Allow to dry

   Hang the tube vertically with both ends open so the lumen drains completely, and let the components air-dry on a clean surface. Dry fully before packaging — trapped moisture interferes with sterilization and invites growth.

8. Inspect

   Check the tube for cuts, kinks, cracks, clouding or stiffness, and check the adapter threads and accessories for wear or damage. Replace anything that is damaged.

9. Package & sterilize

   Loosely coil the tube (no tight bends or kinks), pouch it with the Smart Adapter and accessories unassembled, and sterilize by one of the methods below. Record the tube number and load for traceability.

Sterilization

The tube, Smart Adapter, funnel, bag spike and key are all compatible with the following methods. Always follow your sterilizer manufacturer’s instructions and your facility’s validated cycles.

Quick reference