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What is a urine bag?

A urine bag is a medical-grade PVC bag attached to a catheter used to collect and store urine temporarily after drained from the bladder. Catheters and urine drainage bags are used for patients who have urinary incontinence, urinary retention, a surgery that requires the catheter, or any other health issue impacting the regular flow of urine.

The urinary drainage bag typically features:

Connector
Tubing
Mounting slots
Graduated markings (to calculate urine output)
Cap
Drainage valve

The connector secures the urine bag to the catheter while the flexible, kink-resistant drainage tube ensures the bag is well placed. There are mounting slots that are strengthened to help secure the bag vertically.

Urinary bags come in different valve models, including twist, push-pull, T-tap, and rollover valves. Another type of valve, the anti-reflux valve, prevents the backflow of urine to the catheter and reduces the risk of infections.

Valves mediate the flow, entry, and exit of the contents of the bag. Selection should be based on the patient’s preference and the doctor’s recommendation.

Types of urine drainage bags

Urinary drainage bags are classified into two categories:

1. Leg bags

The catheter leg bag is designed for daytime use and for people who are mobile. It will be connected to the catheter and then strapped to the inside thigh or calf using Velcro or elastic straps. Urine will drain from the bladder via the catheter into the urinary leg bag.

The drainage bag will remain discreet under your clothing, and you can move freely without worrying about incontinence. The bag must be placed lower than the bladder to prevent the reflux of urine back into the bladder.

2. Bedside drainage bags

Bedside Drain Bags have a larger holding capacity and allow bedside urine collection. They are used at night when a large quantity of urine is produced throughout the night. They allow the incontinent patient to have a comfortable and restful sleep.

Bedside bags are also suitable for those confined to bed due to injury, trauma, or coma. These bags are held away from the body on a floor stand or a hanger that hooks onto the bed frame or chair.

Buying guide: Choosing the right urinary bag

Mobility requirements

If you are limited to a wheelchair or bed and tend to be less mobile, bedside drainage bags will suit you best. They have a huge capacity to avoid frequent emptying.
If you move around a lot and need more freedom of movement, urine leg bags will work best for you.

Urine bag capacity

Huge capacity catheter bags should be chosen when you do not want frequent emptying of your urine bag. Such bags work great for long journeys, night time usage, or where easy toilet access is not possible.
Smaller capacity drainage bags are discrete and easy to handle. However, they need to be emptied frequently.

Day or night use

For nighttime usage, choose bedside drainage bags because they can hold a larger volume of urine output and do not require frequent emptying.
For daytime usage, leg bags are ideal as they allow for more freedom to perform routine activities and can be easily hidden under clothing.

Usability

Reusable urine drainage bags can be used for a more extended period with regular cleaning. Regular washing is a must to maintain hygienic conditions.
Disposable urine drainage bags are to be discarded after one use. They prevent the chances of having infections from repeated use.

Length of inlet tube

The length of the inlet tube can be determined by deciding where on your leg you want to attach the leg bag.

The short tube leg bag is used for the thigh.
A long tube leg bag is used for the lower leg.
An adjustable inlet tube is used to provide extra length to sheath patients.

Emptying the urinary drainage bag

Always empty the urine bag when it is half filled.
Wash your hands well with soap and water.
Make sure the urine bag is below your bladder level.
Hold the bag over the toilet or any container where you can drain it.
Open the spout present at the bottom of the bag to empty the urine.
Do not allow the spout to touch the rim of the toilet or container.
Clean the drainage bag spout with an alcohol wipe and close it tightly.
Clean your hands properly again.

FAQs on Urine Bags

1. How often replace a urine collection bag?

A urinary drainage bag should be replaced after four weeks of use. Change sooner if it smells bad or looks dirty. It is also recommended to consult a doctor, who may prescribe a more frequent change.

2. How to clean a catheter bag?

Wash your hands properly and disconnect the bag from the catheter tubing. Clean the used bag with a solution of 2 parts vinegar and 3 parts water. Alternatively, use 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with a 1/2 cup of water. Allow the solution to soak inside the bag for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse the bag with cold water and air dry the bag.

3. When to call the doctor

Call your medical provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

Little or no urine flows into the urine bag.
Urine leakage at the catheter insertion site.
Pain around your sides or lower back.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Fever or chills.
A burning sensation or pain in the bladder or pelvis.
Skin rash or sores.
You feel exhausted, achy, and lack focus.

Where to buy urine bags online?

At Health Products For You, you will find a wide range of catheter bags, including bedside bags, urine leg bags, and accessories for urinary bags from top leading manufacturers like Urocare, Bard, Medtronic, Medline Industries, etc., at the best prices.

Shop Urine Drainage Bags – Catheter Bags, Urine Bags & more

What is a urine bag?