How to Care for Your Urinary Catheter

To care for a urinary catheter, always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling it, clean the area around the catheter insertion site with mild soap and water twice daily, keep the drainage bag below bladder level, check for kinks in the tubing, and monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or discharge around the insertion site; never pull or tug on the catheter. 

Introduction

Proper urinary catheter care is essential to prevent infections, ensure comfort, and prolong the catheter’s functionality. Urinary catheters are widely used for post-surgical recovery, chronic urinary retention, and critical care patients. As a leading manufacturer, Shenzhen Liankehanwei Medical Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in producing high-quality catheters designed for safety and durability. This article provides a comprehensive guide on urinary catheter care, ensuring patient well-being and minimizing complications.

1. Types of Urinary Catheters and Their Care Requirements

Indwelling (Foley) Catheters

Designed for long-term use, requiring continuous bladder drainage.

Must be cleaned daily with warm water and mild soap.

Ensure the catheter bag remains below bladder level to prevent backflow.

Intermittent (Straight) Catheters

Used temporarily and removed after each drainage.

Requires sterile technique during insertion.

Must be thoroughly washed and dried if reusable.

External (Condom) Catheters

Designed for men with functional bladder control but urinary incontinence.

Requires daily replacement and skin monitoring for irritation.

Suprapubic Catheters

Surgically inserted above the pubic bone for long-term bladder drainage.

The insertion site should be cleaned daily with antiseptic solutions.

Catheter tubing should be checked for blockages or leaks regularly.

2. Daily Hygiene and Maintenance

Hand Hygiene

Always wash hands thoroughly before and after handling the catheter.

Use antibacterial soap to minimize infection risks.

Cleaning the Catheter and Drainage Bag

Clean the external catheter tubing at least twice a day.

Use mild, unscented soap and warm water to avoid irritation.

Rinse and air-dry the collection bag after emptying it.

Preventing Blockages

Drink at least 1.5–2 liters of water daily to keep urine flowing.

Avoid kinks in the tubing and ensure free urine flow.

Regularly check for sediment buildup or reduced urine output.

3. Reducing Infection Risks (Preventing CAUTIs)

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) affect 20-30% of long-term catheter users. To minimize infection risks:

Change the catheter as per medical recommendations (every 2–4 weeks for indwelling catheters).

Avoid touching the catheter tip during insertion.

Use sterile lubrication to reduce trauma during catheterization.

Ensure the urine bag is emptied every 4–6 hours and is never overfilled.

4. Recognizing and Managing Common Complications

Signs of Infection

Cloudy, foul-smelling urine.

Fever and chills.

Redness or irritation at the catheter insertion site.

Burning sensation or discomfort.

Leakage or Blockage

If urine is not flowing, check for kinks or blockages in the tubing.

Ensure proper hydration to prevent mineral buildup.

Bladder Spasms

Spasms can cause discomfort and catheter leakage.

Your doctor may recommend anticholinergic medications to reduce bladder contractions.

5. Industry Insights and Market Trends

With the global urinary catheter market projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2030, manufacturers are focusing on advanced materials and infection-resistant coatings. Current trends include:

Antimicrobial catheters reducing infection rates by 50%.

Silicone-based catheters offering longer wear time and reduced irritation.

Smart catheter monitoring systems for real-time infection detection.

6. Why Choose Liankehanwei Urinary Catheters?

As a trusted OEM/ODM manufacturer, Shenzhen Liankehanwei Medical Technology Co., Ltd. ensures superior catheter performance with:

High-Quality Medical-Grade Materials: Silicone, latex-free, and antimicrobial options.

Ergonomic and Patient-Friendly Designs: Enhanced comfort and easy insertion.

ISO 13485 and CE Compliance: Meeting global safety and quality standards.

Custom Solutions for Hospitals and Distributors: Tailored catheter designs for diverse clinical needs.

Conclusion

Proper urinary catheter care is essential for preventing infections, ensuring comfort, and prolonging catheter lifespan. By following daily hygiene practices, maintaining hydration, and monitoring for complications, patients can significantly reduce risks associated with catheter use.

As a leading manufacturer, Shenzhen Liankehanwei Medical Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to providing high-quality, innovative catheter solutions that enhance patient care and safety.

Contact us today to explore our premium urinary catheter solutions and improve patient outcomes!