An indwelling urinary catheter, such as a Foley catheter, is a flexible tube placed into the bladder to drain urine into a collection bag outside the body. This device is commonly used for individuals with urinary retention, incontinence, or following certain surgeries. Because the catheter creates a direct path into the sterile bladder, meticulous cleaning of the tubing and collection system is necessary to prevent a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Establishing a consistent and hygienic cleaning routine at home is a manageable process that significantly reduces the risk of complications.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Before beginning any cleaning procedure, gather all required materials to ensure the process is hygienic. You will need mild, unscented liquid soap, clean warm water, two clean washcloths or small towels, and a clean basin or container for water. It is also helpful to have clean, non-sterile gloves available, although meticulous handwashing is the most effective safety measure. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds to minimize the transfer of microorganisms. Prepare a clean workspace, such as a disinfected counter, to set down supplies and prevent searching for materials mid-procedure.
Step-by-Step Tubing Cleaning Procedure
The external catheter tubing requires cleaning once or twice daily to prevent bacterial migration. Cleaning is often easiest during a daily shower, where warm water and mild soap are accessible. Hold the catheter gently where it exits the body to prevent accidental tugging or pulling, which can cause discomfort. Using a clean, soapy washcloth, start cleaning the tubing at the insertion site, near the urethra or stoma.
Wipe the tubing slowly in a single direction, moving away from the body toward the drainage bag. This technique is important because it pushes potential contaminants away from the body’s sterile environment. Never wipe back and forth, or from the bag toward the body. Rinse the soap off the tubing completely with clean water, ensuring no residue remains. Gently pat the tubing dry with a separate towel, and ensure the catheter is securely fastened to the leg to prevent movement and irritation.
Maintaining the Drainage Bag and Replacement Schedule
The urine collection bag must be cleaned daily to control odor and prevent the buildup of bacteria and mineral sediment, which can lead to infection. Begin by disconnecting the bag from the catheter tubing after washing your hands, switching to a clean replacement bag if necessary. Empty all urine from the used bag into the toilet, taking care not to touch the drain spout tip to the toilet surface. Flush the bag immediately with cool water to remove residual urine, swirling the water inside and draining it completely through the spout.
To disinfect and deodorize the bag, fill it halfway with a cleaning solution. Options include a mixture of one part white vinegar to three parts water, or a dilute bleach solution (one part plain, unscented bleach to ten parts water). Swish the solution around inside the bag to cover all surfaces, and allow it to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the cleaning solution and rinse the bag thoroughly with clean, cool water until the scent of the disinfectant is gone. Hang the bag with the drainage valve open to air dry completely before its next use, which prevents the growth of moisture-loving microorganisms.
The catheter system follows a specific replacement schedule determined by a healthcare provider. Drainage bags cleaned daily are often replaced with a new bag every seven days to one month. The indwelling catheter itself is typically changed by a professional every four to eight weeks to prevent encrustation and potential blockage. Any bag that develops a foul odor that cleaning cannot eliminate, or shows signs of leaking or cracking, must be replaced immediately, regardless of the schedule.
Identifying Signs of Infection or Blockage
Even with diligent cleaning, monitor for signs that may indicate a complication, such as an infection or a blockage. The most significant sign of a potential issue is the absence of urine draining into the collection bag, even if the user feels the need to urinate or experiences abdominal discomfort. Other signs of a possible blockage include urine leakage around the catheter insertion site or painful bladder spasms.
Signs of a potential Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) include a sudden onset of fever or chills, which suggests a systemic problem requiring prompt attention. Changes in the urine are also telling, such as the urine becoming cloudy, developing a strong or foul odor, or containing visible blood. Pain or burning in the lower abdomen, flank, or around the catheter insertion site are also symptoms. If any of these signs appear, or if the catheter stops draining despite efforts to straighten the tubing, contact a healthcare provider immediately for guidance and intervention.