Care of urinary drainage & leg bags

There are a few tips that apply to night drainage and leg bags:

  • Keep the collection bottle of bag below the level of the hip
    • This promotes drainage of urine
  • Wash your hands before and after emptying
  • Empty your drainage bag when ⅓  to ½ full
  • Do not allow the drainage bag to rest on the floor –
    • Some people it in a bucket or bowl to keep it off of the floor

Methods for cleaning drainage bags and bottles

Drainage containers should be cleaned after each use to prepare for the next use.

(Be careful not to let the solution get in contact with clothing, carpets, surfaces, etc. as staining may occur)

  • Mix 1 tablespoon bleach with ½ cup tap water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands before and after cleaning collection container (bag or bottle)
  2. Mix together your cleaning solution using the recipe above
  3. Pour the solution into the collection bottle or bag through the tubing
  4. Agitate (shake and swish) for 30 seconds
  5. Drain the solution out of the bag or bottle
  6. Allow to air dry

  • ¼ cup vinegar to ¾ cups tap water (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water)

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands before and after cleaning collection container (bag or bottle)
  2. Mix together your cleaning solution using the recipe above
  3. Pour the solution into the collection bottle or bag through the tubing
  4. Agitate (shake and swish) for 30 seconds
  5. Drain the solution out of the bag or bottle
  6. Allow to air dry

When should the bag or bottle be replaced?

The drainage bag, bottle or tubing should be replaced when there is clouding, odour or discolouration.