Publication date: May 2014
Review date: May 2016
Patient leaflet code: UCLH/MB/ES/PUCC/1
© University College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2014
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Hospital
Emergency
Department
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University
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Hospital
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Street
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Practical urinary
catheter care
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University College
Hospital
Emergency Department
What is a catheter?
A catheter is a thin, soft, hollow tube used
to drain urine from your bladder. It is held
in place by a small balloon, which is
inflated with sterile water. The balloon is
inside the bladder, so you should not try to
remove the catheter yourself. The catheter
drains urine from the bladder into a bag
which should be emptied at regular
intervals.
When the catheter is first placed, you may
feel slight irritation or may feel you want to
pass water. These sensations are
common and should soon improve. It will
help if you are able to relax.
Some patients have bladder spasms for a
while after the catheter has been fitted
– medication prescribed by your GP may
help.
If you notice blood in your urine or think
you have an infection, please seek advice
from a doctor or district nurse.
What are the signs of infection?
Any of the following signs indicate an
infection; contact your GP if you think you
have an infection:
• fever and chills
• blocked catheter
• abdominal or lower back pain
• cloudy, offensive smelling urine
• persistent blood in the urine.
Hygiene
The catheter tube needs to be kept very
clean to avoid infection. Don’t be afraid of
touching your catheter, it will not fall out.
When you wash yourself, use a separate
flannel and towel for this area. Every
morning and evening (and after a bowel
movement) wash the visible part of the
catheter and the area where it enters the
body with warm water and soap. Take care
not to pull the tube. Rinse and dry.
How to empty the bag
• wash and dry your hands
•open the tap over the toilet or a suitable
container and drain the urine
• close the tap and wipe with a dry tissue
• flush the toilet
• wash and dry your hands.
How to change a bag
• Empty the current bag into the toilet
• Wash and dry your hands
• Open the packet with the new bag in it
•Remove the dust cap from the bag
without touching the end of the tubing
•Pinch the catheter just above the
connection to the old bag
• Disconnect the old bag
•Push the end of the new bag firmly into
the catheter
• Dispose of the old bag
• Wash your hands again.
Disposing of equipment
The leg and night bags should be changed
every 5 to 7 days to reduce your risk of
getting an infection.
Drainage bags may be disposed of in the
dustbin, provided they have been emptied
and wrapped in a newspaper or plastic
bag for hygiene reasons.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if the catheter falls
out?
Do not try to replace the catheter yourself.
Contact your district nurse or GP.
What should I do if I see blood in the
urine?
Firstly don’t panic! The catheter being
pulled accidentally may sometimes cause
this. You should increase the amount of
fluid you are drinking. It may be a sign of
infection so if it persists you should contact
your GP.
Why does urine sometimes leak around
the catheter?
•The catheter or drainage tubing may be
blocked, there may be irritation from the
catheter, there may be a build-up of
debris or you may be constipated.
•Check the catheter and tubing – release
any kinks.
•If you are constipated please follow the
advice earlier in this leaflet.
• Ensure you are drinking enough.
•Movement may dislodge a minor
blockage – so walk around.
•Medication can sometimes help relieve
bladder spasm although it is not suitable
for everyone.
What should I do if the catheter does
not appear to be draining?
•Empty the bag and make a note of the
time.
•Check the catheter and tubing – release
any kinks.
•Make sure the bag is positioned below
waist level.
•Ensure you are drinking enough – if
drainage does not improve or you
become uncomfortably full, contact your
GP or district nurse.
Contact details
Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Extension: 70083
Emergency Department
University College Hospital
Ground Floor, 235 Euston Road
London NW1 2BU
www.uclh.nhs.uk
Where can I get more
information?
Call 111 when you need medical help fast,
but it’s not an emergency.
Or visit:
www.nhs.uk/symptomcheckers
UCLH cannot accept responsibility for
information provided by external
organisations.