Seven Key Things to Look for in a Catheter Leg Bag

Wearing a catheter leg bag, can feel invasive and it is important to choose a bag that best suits your own individual needs. Here are some things to look for in a catheter leg bag that can maximise comfort, safety and security.

1. Fabric Backing

Fabric backing will maximise comfort as it keeps moisture away from the body, allowing skin to breathe and preventing against skin irritation. Some catheter leg bags will have plastic backing, which may be more sticky and uncomfortable, especially in warmer weather.

2. Needle-Free Sample Port

A needle-free sample port allows for the safe sampling of urine. It will allow for a healthcare professional to extract a sample of urine with a needle-free syringe, protecting against any potential needle stick injuries.

3. Ridged Connector

Ridges on the inlet connector of a catheter bag will maximise the security of connection to a catheter, sheath or to a leg bag as part of an overnight link system. This will give you confidence that your connection is secure and it reduces the likelihood of any accidental disconnections.

4. Date Fitted Box

Most catheter leg bags will have a usage of 5-7 days. It is important that catheter bags are changed at least on a weekly basis, to prevent infection. A date-fitted box will allow for instant identification of when the catheter bag was fitted and when it needs to be changed.

5. 180 Degree Lever Action Tap

Being able to drain the catheter leg bag quickly and easily is a really important feature. Choosing a bag with a lever action tap will ensure it is simple to operate, even for those with limited dexterity. A lever action tap is also more secure against accidental opening.

6. Non-return Valve

Another safety feature to look out for is  a non-return valve. This will ensure that, once the urine has passed into the bag, it cannot escape and flow back up the tube and into the bladder. This reduces the likelihood of ascending urine infections

7. Silicone Tubing for Overnight Drainage

If your catheter leg bag has silicone tubing on the outlet tap you will be able to connect a larger capacity night drainage bag to it for overnight drainage. This will give you the peace of mind that you do not have to get up in the night to empty your catheter bag. So, you can get a good nights sleep.

The Libra Leg Bag benefits from all these key features. To see if the Libra Leg Bag is the right catheter leg bag for you, request a free sample below.