What type of drainage is characterized by being bloody?

Sanguineous drainage is characterized by its red or bloody appearance, indicating the presence of fresh blood. This type of drainage typically arises from wounds or surgical sites where there is significant bleeding, reflecting a high level of vascular activity or tissue injury. It is important in clinical practice to recognize sanguineous drainage, as it can be a sign of active bleeding or other complications that may require immediate medical attention.

In contrast, serous drainage is clear or yellowish fluid that typically comes from a healing wound, indicating the presence of serum and not significant blood. Clear drainage would refer to the absence of fluids, and serosanguineous drainage, while it contains some blood, is more of a pinkish color due to the mixture of serum and blood, rather than being distinctly bloody like sanguineous drainage. Understanding these differences is crucial for monitoring wound healing and identifying potential complications in patients.