A urinary catheter drainage bag collects urine from the bladder via an indwelling catheter tube. The system is a closed loop, and maintaining its integrity is paramount. Proper setup and hanging of the drainage bag are necessary to prevent backflow of urine and reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can develop if bacteria travel up the tubing and into the bladder, which makes following all instructions from your healthcare professional a requirement for safe use.
Preparing for Setup
Before handling any part of the catheter system, prioritize hygiene and organization to maintain the sterile nature of the device. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and then dry them completely. If you are assisting someone else, disposable gloves should be worn after handwashing. Prepare a clean, flat workspace nearby, and place a clean towel beneath the connection site to catch any accidental drips.
Gather all necessary items, which typically include the clean drainage bag, securement straps or a stand, and antiseptic wipes. The connection points of the catheter and the bag must be cleaned with an alcohol or antiseptic wipe before connecting them. This step minimizes the introduction of microbes into the system. Ensure the drainage port or valve on the new bag is fully closed before connecting it to the catheter.
Securing the Drainage Bag During the Day
The smaller leg bag is used for daytime mobility and must be securely fastened to the body to prevent pulling on the catheter tube. This bag is typically secured to the thigh or the calf using elastic or Velcro straps, depending on the specific product. When adjusting these straps, they should be snug enough to hold the bag in place without restricting blood circulation in the leg.
The bag must always be positioned below the level of the bladder, regardless of whether you are standing, walking, or sitting. This placement allows gravity to assist the continuous flow of urine and stops it from flowing back toward the bladder. Ensure the tubing has some slack to allow for comfortable movement, but not so much that it creates a long loop where urine could collect and stagnate. Repositioning the straps every few hours, or switching the bag to the other leg, can prevent localized pressure that might cause skin irritation.
Setting Up the Bedside Drainage System
The transition to the larger capacity night bag is necessary for extended periods of rest and requires a different hanging technique. The night bag is connected directly to the leg bag’s drainage port, or directly to the catheter, and must be placed on a secure stand or hook. The most important rule for the bedside setup is to ensure the bag is consistently positioned lower than the level of the bed or bladder.
Hanging the bag on a specialized catheter stand, or a hook attached to the bed frame, maintains this necessary lower position. This gravity-assisted drainage prevents urine from re-entering the bladder, which is a common pathway for bacteria and infection. The tubing must run straight down from the connection point to the bag without creating any dependent loops or kinks. Any bend or coil in the tubing can impede the free flow of urine, increasing pressure in the system and potentially causing backflow.
Avoiding Common Drainage Issues
Ongoing attention to the system’s function is required after the initial setup to ensure a consistent flow of urine and prevent discomfort. The drainage bag should be emptied when it reaches about half to two-thirds of its capacity. Waiting until the bag is completely full increases the weight, which can pull on the catheter and cause irritation, and also raises the risk of accidental spillage or overflow. When emptying the bag, prevent the drainage spout from touching the toilet or collection container, as this can introduce contamination.
Regularly check the entire length of the tubing for any twists, kinks, or compression that could block the flow of urine. An obstruction can lead to a lack of drainage, which may cause pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen. If you notice a sudden absence of urine in the bag, or if the urine appears cloudy, has a strong odor, or contains blood, this could indicate a problem like a blockage or an infection. If straightening the tubing does not immediately restore flow, or if you feel pain, you should contact your healthcare provider for guidance.