Care of Leg Bags and Night Drainage Systems

People who manage their bladders by using an indwelling catheter must also use special tubing and collection bags or containers for storing urine.Remember to maintain an unobstructed flow of urine in the tubing at all times.

Hospitals have protocols in place to ensure strict hygiene in the care of catheter drainage systems; however, these are not always practical in the home environment.Many people who use these types of catheters become expert managers of their catheters and drainage systems. They find a routine of care and cleaning that meets their needs and lowers risks.

When The Drainage System Is Not Changed Daily

Make sure:
• Tubing is attached to the bed, clothing, or upper thigh to prevent pulling on the catheter in the bladder.
• Tubing is straight without kinks that may stop the flow of urine.
• Drainage system is below the person so urine will drain via gravity without the chance of flow back into the bladder.

When The Drainage System Is Changed Frequently

Drainage bags and tubing are to be washed each time they are removed from a catheter with a household bleach solution diluted in a 1:10 ratio with tap water (1 part bleach and 10 parts water).
Equipment:
• Bleach solution
• Protective gloves
• Irrigating bottle or turkey basting syringe
Procedure:
1. Empty urine in the toilet via bag spigot.
2. Detach leg bag per sterile procedure from Foley catheter or remove condom catheter.
3. Wash hands with soap and water.
4. Wear protective gloves.
5. Fill the empty bag with 2/3 to ¾ cup of bleach solution using the irrigating bottle or turkey basting syringe.
6. Vigorously shake the bag to cover all inner surfaces of the bag.
7. Drain solution into the toilet through tubing and spigot. 8. Repeat procedure.
9. Place bag and tubing over hook or towel rack to completely dry.

Instructions for care and cleaning of reusable drainage systems used with external or condom catheters are the same for reusable drainage systems that attach to indwelling catheters.