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Instructions for Use of a Bard Urological Catheter

Bard Medical catheters allow patients to catheterize easily and discretely. They offer catheters made of latex and non-latex materials to suit the needs of patients with latex allergies. Learning to use a Bard Medical catheter is a bit difficult for patients new to catheterization, but becomes much easier over time.

  1. Preparation

    • Before you can use your Bard Medical catheter you will need to gather the necessary equipment and prepare the insertion area. You will need your Bard Medical catheter, drainage bag, elastic leg strap, sterile lubricant, irrigation syringe, and genital cleansing solution. Other useful equipment that you'll want to have on hand includes antibacterial soap, medical tape, sterile gloves, and paper towels.

    Using the Catheter

    • Before inserting the catheter, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. Dry your hands, put on your sterile gloves, and open your catheter or catheterization kit. Fill the irrigation syringe in the kit with 10 cc of clean water. The sterile lubricant should be used to coat a couple of inches at the tip of the catheter. Find a comfortable sitting position that allows you to spread your legs. Once you're comfortable, it's time to insert the catheter. Begin by cleansing your genitals with the genital cleansing solution, then slowly and gently insert the catheter into your urethra. Inject the 10 cc of liquid into the small tube at the drainage end of the catheter to inflate the balloon at the catheter's tip. Once inflated, the balloon at the end of your catheter will keep it firmly in place. You can also use medical tape to tape the catheter to your body as an extra measure if you're worried it won't stay in place. Attach the drainage bag to the other end of the catheter and secure to your leg using the elastic leg strap.

    Fluid Intake

    • Patients who are using a catheter should increase their fluid intake to dilute their urine and keep the catheter draining well. It's recommended that patients who are using catheters increase their fluid intake by an extra eight ounces every two to three hours. Catheterized patients may also want to avoid certain types of fluids that are known to irritate the bladder, such as alcohol and caffeinated coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

    Care and Cleaning

    • Some types of catheters are suitable for multiple uses. These catheters should be washed thoroughly each day in a solution of soap and water. Start by mixing a solution of antibacterial soap and warm water, then fill an irrigation syringe with the soap and water solution. Attach the end of the irrigation syringe to the end of the catheter and flush with the soap and water solution. Repeat until the catheter appears clean, then flush the catheter with clear, warm water. To dry, lay the catheters flat on a paper towel. Be aware that reusing catheters improperly increases the risk of urinary tract infections.

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