A bladder bag, formally known as a urinary drainage bag, is a medical device designed to collect and store urine draining from a catheter. This collection system is necessary for anyone using an indwelling catheter, such as a Foley catheter, to manage urinary output. The bag ensures the urinary system remains a closed, hygienic environment, which prevents infection. The appearance of the bag is determined by its intended use, whether for discreet daytime wear or for larger overnight collection.
The Two Primary Styles: Appearance and Function
Urinary drainage bags come in two distinct styles, each optimized for different times of the day and levels of mobility. The first is the leg bag, characterized by its smaller, flatter, and contoured shape, making it ideal for daytime use and active individuals. These bags typically hold 500 to 750 milliliters and are constructed from opaque or semi-opaque vinyl material to offer discretion when worn under clothing.
Conversely, the bedside or drainage bag is significantly larger and designed for overnight use. These bags commonly hold up to 2000 milliliters, allowing the user to sleep through the night without frequent emptying. Bedside bags are typically clear or translucent, often featuring a conical or teardrop shape to facilitate gravity-fed drainage when hung from a stand or bed frame.
Understanding the Components
Each drainage bag incorporates several specific parts that are integral to its function and form a closed system. The inlet tube is the connection point where the catheter tubing attaches, allowing urine to flow directly into the collection bag.
Another feature is the anti-reflux valve, a mechanism built into the bag or the inlet tubing, which prevents collected urine from flowing backward toward the bladder. This device often appears as a small, clear flap or chamber, utilizing a one-way mechanism to ensure the fluid only moves in one direction. At the bottom of the bag is the drain port or spout, a small valve or clamp used to empty the collected urine. These spouts can be a simple metal clamp, a twist valve, or a slide-tap mechanism.
Daily Living: Wearing and Securing the Bag
Leg bags are secured using elasticized straps or specialized fabric sleeves that wrap around the thigh or calf. These straps, often made of soft, stretchable material with Velcro closures, hold the bag firmly against the skin to minimize movement and maintain a low profile under clothing.
The inlet tube connecting the bag to the catheter is often secured to the leg using adhesive anchors or clips to prevent tugging on the catheter itself. For the larger bedside bags, securing involves plastic hooks or reinforced handles integrated into the top of the bag structure. These hangers allow the bag to be suspended from a bed frame, wheelchair, or IV pole, ensuring it remains below the level of the bladder for proper gravity drainage.
Essential Maintenance
The safe use of a bladder bag depends on consistent maintenance. The bag must be emptied regularly through the drain spout, ideally when it is about one-half to two-thirds full, to prevent it from becoming too heavy or causing back pressure. Proper technique involves washing hands before and after handling the spout and ensuring the valve does not touch any contaminated surfaces during draining.
Daily cleaning is required for bags that are reused, typically involving a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts cool water, which is swished inside the bag and allowed to soak. After soaking, the bag must be thoroughly rinsed with cool water and hung to air dry with the spout open and pointed down. The drainage bag should be replaced at least monthly, or sooner if the material becomes discolored, develops a persistent odor, or shows signs of damage or leakage.