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If you're experiencing difficulty urinating due to an illness, infection, or medical condition, you may require a catheter at home. Properly emptying the catheter bag is essential to ensure correct disposal of urine. There are two main types of catheter bags: large bags and leg bags. Familiarize yourself and your caregiver with the process of emptying and sanitizing both types to maintain sterility and hygiene.
Steps
Initiating the Draining Procedure
Empty the Bag Before Fullness. Aim to drain the bag when it reaches about ¾ full. It's advisable to empty a partially filled bag rather than risking overflow if you're uncertain about the next opportunity to drain.
- For overnight use, consider draining every 4-8 hours. For leg bags, drain every 3-4 hours.
Cleanse your hands with warm water and soap. Start by rinsing your hands under warm water, then apply antibacterial soap, and lather thoroughly. Rinse your hands under clean, running water until all soap residue is removed. Finally, dry your hands completely using a fresh paper towel.
- Opt for paper towels to minimize germ spread. In the absence of paper towels, a clean cloth towel is acceptable, provided it's exclusively used and recently washed.
- Consider wearing disposable medical gloves for added protection if available.
- You can rinse directly under a faucet or use a moist towel or paper towel to cleanse the area.
- Ensure you clean the catheter site at least twice daily and immediately after handling the catheter.
Detach your bag from its securing mechanism. After ensuring clean hands and a sanitized catheter site, release your leg bag from its straps or remove a large bag from its holder. Hold the bag below hip level for drainage.
- To empty an overnight bag, gently compress the plastic parts on the drainage tube and slide it out of the holder. Direct the tube over the toilet.
- For a leg bag, point the drainage tube downward into the toilet without touching the toilet edges.
Draining Your Bag
Elevate the drainage tube vertically. Positioned at the catheter tube's end, the drainage tube connects with a colored plastic clip.
- Hold the bag upright to ensure all urine from the catheter tube drains into it, minimizing spills during emptying.
Position the bag over a toilet. This facilitates emptying and catches any potential overflow when detaching the bag. Exercise caution to avoid dropping it into the toilet, as replacement would be necessary.
Release the stopper or clamp on your bag. Your bag may feature a stopper or clamp to prevent leakage during catheter use. Remove it while holding the bag over the toilet.
Drain your catheter leg bag using a valve. For a leg bag, rotate the knob or valve at the bag's bottom counterclockwise to open it. Ensure complete drainage, then close the valve by turning it clockwise firmly.
Empty your large bag by releasing the clamp. Allow urine to drain into the toilet from a large bag. Once fully drained, secure the metal clamp by pressing the metal pieces together.
- Reattach the drainage tube to the holder for reuse if applicable.
Cleaning Your Bag Post-Emptying
Detach the bag from your catheter tubing. Effective rinsing requires the bag to be separated from the tubing. Avoid reattaching tubing until the bag is completely dry.
Add a soapy water solution to the bag. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water and pour it into the bag. Agitate the solution within the bag, ensuring all areas are covered, then drain it completely through the valve.
Soak your catheter bag in a diluted vinegar solution. Combine white vinegar and warm water, then pour the solution into the bag and seal it. Allow the bag to soak for 20 minutes.
- Always rinse the bag thoroughly before reuse. If transitioning from a leg bag to a large bag for the night, clean the leg bag and let it air dry.
- For daily use, clean the leg bag daily and replace it monthly.
Rinse the bag with cold water. Drain the vinegar solution completely, then fill the bag with cold water and flush it through the drain to remove any remaining vinegar. Repeat this rinsing process 2-3 times.
Hang the bag to air dry. Squeeze out excess water and hang the bag with the valve open to facilitate drainage. Ensure the bag is fully dry before reuse.
- If hanging isn't feasible, use a clean, dry towel or paper towel to wipe the bag.
