A urine bag, also known as a urinary drainage bag, is a medical device designed to collect and store urine that drains from a catheter or other urinary diversion. This system manages urine output when the body cannot store or pass urine normally. The bag connects via tubing to a catheter placed within the bladder or urinary tract. These devices are designed to be a closed system to maintain sterility and reduce the risk of infection.
Purpose and Indications
The need for a urinary collection system arises from medical conditions that interfere with normal voiding function. One common reason is acute urinary retention, where the bladder is unable to empty, often due to an obstruction like an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). Catheterization and the use of a urine bag relieve painful pressure and prevent potential kidney damage.
The system is also used to manage a neurogenic bladder, which results from nerve damage disrupting communication between the brain and the bladder. Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injuries can lead to a loss of bladder control or the inability to empty the bladder completely. A drainage system manages this output.
Temporary use is common following surgical procedures when the patient is unable to urinate or when medical staff need to monitor fluid output precisely. Accurate measurement of urine volume helps healthcare providers assess kidney function and track patient hydration status.
Types of Collection Bags
Urinary collection bags are categorized into two primary types, suited for different times of the day or activity levels. Leg bags are smaller, designed for daytime use, and worn discreetly beneath clothing. These bags typically hold between 500 and 1200 milliliters and are secured to the thigh or calf using adjustable straps. Their smaller size allows for mobility but requires more frequent emptying.
The second type is the larger bedside or drainage bag, intended for use while sleeping or for immobile patients. These bags have a greater capacity, often holding up to 2000 milliliters, and feature a reinforced handle or hanger for attachment to a bed frame or wheelchair. A safety feature on both types is an anti-reflux valve, which prevents collected urine from flowing backward into the catheter and toward the bladder. This minimizes the risk of bacterial ascent and infection.
Daily Care and Hygiene
Proper daily care and hygiene are necessary to prevent complications, particularly catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The bag should be emptied before it becomes completely full, ideally when it reaches about two-thirds capacity, or every three to four hours for smaller leg bags. Before and after draining the bag through the bottom spigot, thorough hand washing is necessary to maintain a clean technique.
For reusable bags, cleaning should be performed daily after emptying. A simple cleaning solution uses one part white vinegar mixed with three parts water. After flushing out residual urine with tap water, this diluted solution should be instilled and allowed to soak for 30 minutes before being rinsed with clean water. The bag must then be hung up to air dry completely, ensuring connection points do not touch contaminated surfaces. Securing the tubing with straps or tape is important to prevent pulling on the catheter, which can cause discomfort or dislodgement.
Replacement schedules vary, but leg bags are typically replaced about once a week. Larger bedside bags may be changed every five to seven days, though some protocols allow for monthly replacement if a strict closed system is maintained. Always follow the replacement guidelines provided by the manufacturer or your healthcare provider.
Monitor the urine and the system for signs of problems. Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood, or a fever, as these indicate a developing infection. Maintaining the bag below the level of the bladder uses gravity to ensure continuous drainage and prevent backflow.