If you have a urinary catheter, it is most likely attached to a drainage bag where urine is drawn from the bladder, through the urethra, into the catheter, to a collection bag where you or a caregiver can drain the urine.

There are two common types of drainage bags: A leg bag is typically smaller, and attaches to the leg with elastic bands or other attachments. The leg band is usually worn during the day and fits neatly under clothing, and is easily emptied. A down drain is a larger drainage device hung on the bed or placed on the floor near the bed. Most commonly used at night or for some who is bed-ridden, it is larger than the leg bag.

Drainage bags must always stay lower than the bladder to keep urine from backing up into the bladder. Bags should be emptied when they are full, or at least every eight hours. Bags should be cleaned occasionally, and deodorized. A mixture of three parts water and two parts vinegar is recommended, or chlorine bleach or a commercial deodorizing solution available where medical supplies are sold. Letting the solution soak in the bag for 20 minutes is ideal, then draining, rinsing and drying the bag with the outlet valve open.

Leg bags should be monitored constantly and emptied when it is about one-third to one-half full. The bag should never become full – that puts pressure on the catheter and pulls on the catheter entrance. It also becomes heavy and bulky and could possibly burst. At a minimum, it should be emptied three times a day.

Emptying the leg bag is an easy process. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the bag. Keep the bag below the bladder always – this prevents backflow. If your healthcare provider is tracking the amounts of your urine output, be sure to make note of the amount before emptying it into the toilet. Bags have spigots or pour spouts at the bottom – avoid letting the spout touch the toilet because this contaminates the bag with bacteria. Clean the spigot with rubbing alcohol on a gauze pad or cotton ball. Close the spigot securely. Avoid allowing the bag to rest on the floor at any time.

There are numerous sizes and styles of leg bags with different valve options, reusable or disposable, latex-free, with medical supplies sold in kits or separately.