This drainage has the features of added plasma, which makes the run-off appear pink. In some deeper wounds, sanguineous wound drainage may continue for a few days but should distinctly lessen in volume. This type of drainage is a normal part of the inflammatory phase of wound healing, but it should lessen considerably over time and stop after a few hours in most instances. It can be seen during angiogenesis in both full-thickness wounds and deep partial-thickness wounds. Sanguineous drainage is bright red and somewhat thick in consistency some compare it to the consistency of syrup. Sanguineous wound drainage is the fresh bloody exudate that appears when skin is breached, whether from surgery, injury, or other cause.

Here are the four main types of wound drainage health care professionals need to know: Sanguineous Wound Drainage Identifying wounds that need a change in care can speed the healing process. Open wounds and incision wounds may both present varying types of exudate, some of which are perfectly healthy and others that can signal an infection or slow healing. IntroductionĪs health care professionals monitor the wound drainage of a patient, it is critical to be able to recognize the different types of wound drainage. It was revised and republished in April 2021.

Editor's note: This blog was originally published in November 2011.