Debate continues as to whether drains should be clamped and a subsequent chest radiograph arranged before removal, although doing so avoids the unnecessary trouble of re-inserting a further chest drain if the lung collapses. If clamped, it is preferable to do so in a ward where nursing and medical staff are experienced in chest drain management and are aware that it should be unclamped if the patient becomes symptomatic. However, chest drains should never be clamped in patients where bubbling persists.