Latex Foley Catheter

A latex Foley catheter is a flexible tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. It is a sterile, disposable device that is used to:

• Provide continuous bladder drainage
• Collect a urine specimen for diagnostic testing
• Relieve urinary retention
• Monitor urine output

Where to Use

Latex Foley catheters are used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. They are commonly used in the following situations:

• After surgery
• After childbirth
• In patients with urinary retention
• In patients with spinal cord injuries
• In patients with urinary tract infections

How to Use

A latex Foley catheter is typically inserted by a healthcare professional. The procedure is usually done in the following steps:

1. The patient is cleaned and prepped.
2. The catheter is lubricated and inserted into the urethra.
3. The balloon at the end of the catheter is inflated to hold the catheter in place.
4. The catheter is connected to a drainage bag.

Benefits

The benefits of using a latex Foley catheter include:

• It can provide continuous bladder drainage, which can help prevent urinary tract infections.
• It can be used to collect a urine specimen for diagnostic testing.
• It can relieve urinary retention, which can be a painful and uncomfortable condition.
• It can be used to monitor urine output, which can be helpful in assessing kidney function.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of using a latex Foley catheter include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Bladder spasms
• Urethral irritation
• Pain at the insertion site

Warnings

Latex Foley catheters should not be used in the following cases:

• If the patient is allergic to latex
• If the patient has a urethral stricture
• If the patient has a bladder infection

Storage and Disposal

Latex Foley catheters should be stored in a cool, dry place. They should be disposed of according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additional Information

There are other types of Foley catheters available, such as silicone Foley catheters and hydrophilic-coated Foley catheters. These types of catheters may be less likely to cause allergic reactions or urinary tract infections.

If you have any questions about latex Foley catheters, please talk to your healthcare provider.