See all
What to Look for in a Catheter Lubricant Gel
A catheter lubricant gel can help to make the catheter insertion procedure as comfortable and free from pain as possible. With many catheter gels available, here are some key things you should look for:
1) Active Ingredients in the Catheter Lubricant Gel
Catheter gels are available with or without active ingredients. If you choose a gel without active ingredients they will act purely as a lubricant whereas there are some gels that contain ingredients that can minimise pain and reduce the risk of infection. Chlorhexidine, which has anti-bacterial properties, can be found in some gels whilst there are some that contain lidocaine, an anaesthetic. Some catheter lubricant gels, such as the GB Gel Combi, come with both these ingredients.
2) A Syringe Dispenser
Catheter lubricant gels come in different packaging styles; most commonly an “accordion” style bottle or a syringe. Typically, the syringe style allows more of the gel to be dispensed which allows for greater lubrication and less wastage; something worth bearing in mind.
3) Quantity of Catheter Lubricant Gel
Catheter lubricant gels are dispensed in either mls or grams. You can commonly get gels in either 8.5g, 12.5g, 6ml, 11ml or 12ml. If you are using a female length catheter the lower quantities are used whereas with a standard length the higher quantities are recommended. GB Gel Combi is available in the one 12ml size.
For more information on GB Gel Combi please see here. Catheter Gels are available to order through Nightingale.