red blood cells in pd bag

[jshabanian]

Yesterday I noticed that my afternoon manual pd exchange bag was a littel cloudy looking and the fluid was pinkish.  I went to the dialysis center and they sent the bag for testing and started me on antibiotics.

The lab results show no infection but did show red blood cells in the solution.  Does anyone know why this happens?

[WishIKnew]

It happens occasionally.  I've been told it's from bleeding in the peritoneum, likely I lifted something or the catheter rubbed something.  Not to worry.

[billybags]

I agree with Wishinew, You played it safe and got in touch with your unit. You have earned a star, well done. On PD if you are not sure about any thing, you get in touch with your  unit. Hope every thing is OK    to the site.

[jshabanian]

Thank you for your help!!!  The bag seems much clearer now and the color is almost back to normal. 

Glad to have you all here!

[Annig83]

jshabanian- I agree with everyone on here.  Also, and I apologize if you are male, I can't tell by your name, or profile.  It's also normal to have some red blood cells in the bags if you are menstuating as well.  Women have an opening between the pero. cavity and the uterus, so blood may leak into the bags.  Again, I apologize if you are male, and I am glad that things are clearing up!  Welcome to the site!  

[*kana*]

I also dont know if you are male or female, but my clinic told me that it can also happen if you are female and have intercourse. 

[cath-hater]

This use to happen to me all time.  It was because I would lift something that I shouldnt have while I was dwelling. Then when i drained, the fluid was literally bloody looking.  So after about 50 or so times, I make it appoint not to lift ANYTHING during dwells.

[Joe]

My PD nurse cautioned me just this week not to lift anything with weight while I'm full. She said it could cause problems with the peritoneal lining.

[Marina]

For  females,   if you  keep  getting  recurrent  red/pink  drains   and you  haven't  lifted  anything  heavy  or  is  not that  time of the  month,  I  recommend you  check  with your  dr.

At  one  point  I  was  put  on  a  new  statin.   Shortly  after  I  started having  red  bags  along with  abdominal  cramping.
My  statin  was  changed  and  my  drains  and  abdomen  cramping  disappeared.

A  week  prior  to  TX  I    had  red  bags  all  week  long,  I  just  assumed  it  was  either  ovulation  or   period  time  approaching.
The  red  drain  remained.

I   got my  call  and  as  I  drained  (at  hospital) before  I  was  wheeled  to  OR,  a  nurse  notice  the  red  drain  and  asked  "is  that  normal"      I  explained   the  reasons it  can happen.

Post  TX   (still inpatient)   surgeon  told me I had  an  ovarian cysts  that had  raptured  (hence the  red  drains).
They  had  to    remove  cyst  and  send it  to  lab  to  make  sure it  was  cancer  free.
Luckily  for  me,  it  was  nothing to  worry  about.

So  ladies,  if  red  drains  persist,   make  appt  with  PCP  or  OB/GYN.