A urinary catheter requires a collection system to manage the drainage of urine from the bladder, and this attached device is what the general public often refers to as a “catheter bag.” The bag serves the function of safely and hygienically holding the fluid outside the body, allowing patients to manage their urinary needs when natural voiding is not possible or controlled. This component ensures continuous drainage, which is necessary for patient comfort, mobility, and infection control. The specific type of bag used depends on the patient’s mobility level and the time of day, dictating its size and features.
Understanding the Common Names
The device is most broadly referred to as a Urine Collection Bag or a Urinary Drainage Bag in medical settings. Other common and interchangeable terms include U-Bag or simply Drainage Bag. The specific name often used relates directly to where the bag is worn or placed.
For instance, a smaller bag designed for daytime use is commonly known as a Leg Bag, while a larger bag intended for overnight use is frequently called a Bedside Bag or Night Bag. Regardless of the name, the purpose remains the same: to provide a closed receptacle for urine that has exited the body via the catheter. Sometimes, the entire assembly is referred to as a Foley Bag, though “Foley” technically refers to a specific type of indwelling catheter.
Portable Collection Bags
The portable option, typically called a Leg Bag, is designed for daytime use to allow for mobility and discretion. These bags are smaller in capacity, usually ranging from 500 to 1,000 milliliters, which is suitable for several hours of activity before requiring emptying. They are secured directly to the body using adjustable elastic straps around the calf or thigh, worn underneath clothing.
A crucial feature of these bags is the inclusion of an anti-reflux valve, a mechanism that prevents urine from flowing backward from the bag up the tube and toward the bladder. Preventing this backflow is important for reducing the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Leg bags should be emptied when they are approximately half to two-thirds full to prevent the bag from becoming too heavy and pulling uncomfortably on the catheter.
High-Volume Collection Bags
The larger, stationary option is known as a Bedside Bag or Night Bag, and it is intended for use when the patient is resting or less mobile. These collection systems feature a greater capacity, commonly holding 2,000 milliliters, with some options available up to 4,000 milliliters. The increased size means they do not need to be emptied during the night, promoting better sleep.
The bag is designed to be hung from a stand or the bedside rail, and it must always be positioned below the level of the bladder. This positioning relies on gravity to ensure a continuous, one-way flow of urine from the body into the bag, preventing accumulation in the bladder. At night, the bedside bag is often connected directly to the leg bag, with the leg bag’s drainage tap left open, creating a continuous link system.
Essential Care and Hygiene
Proper care of the drainage bag is necessary for reducing the risk of infection. The bag should be emptied frequently, ideally when it is no more than half full, using the drainage valve at the bottom. When emptying, the valve or spout must not touch the toilet or any other surface to prevent contamination.
After emptying, the drainage spout should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe or cotton ball before closing the valve. Daily cleaning of the entire bag is required, typically performed by rinsing the bag with a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts cool water, or a dilute bleach solution. Allow the bag to soak for about 20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse it with cool water. Finally, hang the bag to air dry with the drainage spout open. Leg bags are generally replaced with a new, sterile one about every five to seven days, depending on manufacturer recommendations, and hands should always be washed before and after handling any part of the system.