Which is an active post-op drain type?

• A. Active-low pressure, suction
• B. Passive- just provides an exit
• C. External drain bag
• D. No drainage

Answer: (A)

An active post-op drain uses suction to actively pull fluid out of the wound area. This negative pressure helps continuously remove blood and serous fluid, reducing dead space, hematoma, and seroma formation and often aiding quicker healing. Low-pressure suction keeps tissue gentle while still providing effective drainage, as seen with devices like suction drains that connect to a bulb or vacuum reservoir.

Passive drains, by contrast, rely on gravity and pressure differentials without suction, so drainage depends on the fluid’s movement rather than active suction. An external drain bag is just the collection container and doesn’t by itself define whether the drain is active. No drainage means there’s no drain in place at all.