Surgical hat and mask

Sterile gloves and gown

Antiseptic solution for skin preparation (e.g. chlorhexidine in alcohol)

Sterile drapes

Sterile gauze swabs

Local anaesthetic (1% lidocaine)

Appropriate syringes and needles (18–25G)

Sutures and dressings to secure the chest drain

Scalpel/surgical blade

Closed drainage system (e.g. connecting tubing, sterile water and kit for underwater seal)

Chest tube of appropriate size (see below) with equipment for insertion using either Seldinger technique or blunt dissection:

• Small-bore chest drains (8–14 French) are sufficient for most pleural conditions (including pleural infection, free-flowing pleural effusion and pneumothorax) and are associated with a lower risk of complications.
• Large-bore chest drains (>14 French) are specifically indicated in the context of, for example trauma and haemothorax, and may be useful in cases where the initial use of a small-bore drain has been unsuccessful.