Indwelling urinary catheters (Foley's catheters) are vital for patients with urinary retention, incontinence, or following major pelvic surgeries. However, improper hygiene accounts for over 80% of healthcare-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
Essential Daily Catheter Guidelines
- Keep Bag Below Bladder Level: Always keep the drainage bag below the level of the patient's hips/bladder to prevent retrograde urine backflow into the bladder.
- Never Let the Bag Touch the Floor: Hang the bag on the bedside rail to avoid bacterial contamination from floor surfaces.
- Clean the Meatus Daily: Clean the urethral insertion site twice daily with mild soap and sterile water, wiping away from the body.
- Ensure Adequate Hydration: Unless restricted by kidney/heart disease, maintain fluid intake of 2 to 2.5 liters daily to flush bacteria naturally.
Our registered nurses perform aseptic Foley catheter insertions and removals in the comfort of your home. Explore our Home Nursing Services or schedule a catheter visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard latex catheters are replaced every 2 to 3 weeks, while 100% silicone (hydrogel-coated) catheters can remain for up to 6 to 12 weeks.
Fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, sediment/blood in the tubing, lower abdominal cramps, or sudden confusion in elderly patients.
Yes, patients can take a gentle shower with the catheter and bag connected, but bathtub soaking or swimming is strictly contraindicated.
Check for kinks or loops in the tubing, ensure the bag is below the bladder, and check if the patient is dehydrated. If no urine drains for 2 hours, call our nurse immediately.
Yes, we supply genuine hospital-grade 2-way and 3-way silicone Foley catheters, urine meters, and day/night drainage bags.