Foley Catheter and Urine Collection

Foley Catheter and Urine Collection

• Foley Catheter: A medical device used to drain urine from the bladder, often connected to a urine collection device.

• Urine Collection Device: Typically attached to the side of the bed, collecting urine gradually.

Important Note on Urine Specimens

• Do Not Collect from Bag: Urine specimens should never be taken from the Foley catheter bag.

• Reason: The bag contains a mixture of fresh urine and urine that has sat for hours (2-5 hours).

• Bacterial Growth: Stagnant urine can lead to bacterial growth, which can alter the characteristics of the urine, potentially causing:

  • Odor due to bacteria breaking down urine products.

  • An abnormal urinalysis result.

• Proper Collection: Always collect a urine sample from the collection tube directly, not from the bag.