The suction kit consists of a set of instruments used for aspirating pus, blood, secretions, food or other liquids obstructing the pharynx or airways in respiratory system. The kit consists of instruments for both adults and children. The instruments and preparation solutions are estimated for 100 patients. The kit can be used in health care facilities in low, middle and high resource settings.  

The solution has been adapted from MSF manuals and Nursing.com sources.   

Nasopharyngeal (through the nose) and oropharyngeal (through the mouth) suctioning are an emergency procedure, to remove accumulated saliva, pulmonary secretions, blood, vomitus, and other foreign material from these areas that cannot be removed by the patient’s spontaneous cough or other less invasive procedures. During this procedure, a hard-plastic tip with a handle called a suction catheter is introduced either via the mouth or nose, through the channel of endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube and then, the suction catheter connects to a suction machine or collection canister. 

Important: Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal suction must be carried out by well-trained medical staff only. All reusable products should be thoroughly cleaned and either high-level disinfected or sterilized after each use.  

• Suction should not be applied for longer than 10 seconds and applying suction for longer periods of time can cause injury, hypoxia and bradycardia. 
• Limiting suction passes to three at a time and lets the patient rest reduces the damage to very sensitive areas in the mouth, throat and trachea.  
• Giving extra oxygen right before suction procedure reduces the risk of hypoxia.  
• Suction should not apply while inserting the catheter. Applying suction during insertion may increase the chances of injuring the mucus membranes. 
• If suctioning through the nose, do not force the catheter.

Additional Information:

Suction tubes: There are two types of suction tube listed under kit components. A Yankhauer tube is used for oral and oropharyngeal suction and other suction tube types are utilized when oral suctioning with a Yankauer is ineffective or nasopharyngeal suction is performing. Based on the suction procedure and patient’s age, tube should be selected. 

Suction pumps; Suction pumps, also known as an aspirator, are a type of medical device that is primarily used for removing obstructions in pharynx or airways. The kit is equipped with both electrical and manual suction pumps to minimize electricity issues. Suction pressure is an important parameter and it determines how much water your pump can suck in through its inlet. However, suction pressure should not exceed 150 mm Hg under any circumstances and the following ranges are appropriate pressure according to the patient’s age.  

• Neonates: 60-80 mm Hg 
• Infants: 80-100 mm Hg 
• Children: 100-120 mm Hg 
• Adults: 100-150 mm Hg 

Connecting tubes; These tubes are used to attach the suction tubes to a suction canister that is attached to the suction pump. 

Pulse oximeters; Pulse oximetry is routinely used during suction procedures to detect hypoxemia. 

Gloves; The most effective PPE in reducing risk of injury and exposure to blood, other potentially infectious materials and chemicals. Latex gloves are to be avoided due to allergies. Nitrile is more chemical-resistant and tear-resistant than vinyl.   

* The glove sizes could be modified based on the common size used in the location.    

Aspiration bulbs; Also, known as nasal suction bulb or aspirator. The device is recommended for infants.  

Stethoscopes; It is recommended to measure vital signs before, during and after the suction procedure.  

Source: Nursing lesson and information added about the use/cautions for nurses