A Penrose drain is a surgical device placed in a wound to drain fluid. It consists of a soft rubber tube placed in a wound area, to prevent the build up of fluid.

Uses

A Penrose drain removes fluid from a wound area. Frequently it is put in place by a surgeon after a procedure is complete to prevent the area from accumulating fluid, such as blood, which could serve as a medium for bacteria to grow in. It can also be used to drain cerebrospinal fluid to treat a hydrocephalus patient.

John Schneeberger used a Penrose drain in order to foil the DNA tests which he had undergone after being accused of rape.