How to Empty a Urinary Drainage Bag

The urine drainage bag for a catheter is used to collect the urine of someone who has had surgery or has certain medical conditions. Because of the bacteria associated with use of a catheter, there are important precautions to take while emptying the drainage bag to prevent contamination.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol wipes
• Clean urine drainage bag
• Antibacterial soap

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Instructions

• 1

  Sterilize your hands by washing them with hot water and antibacterial soap. You can also wear rubber or latex gloves.

• 2

  To empty the bag, open the end of the drainage tube and hold it over a toilet, allowing the urine to drain out. Do not touch the tip of the tube with your hand or let the tube touch the toilet. After emptying, close the tube.

• 3

  Disconnect the bag from the patient at the point of the tubing and drain any remaining urine.

• 4

  Wipe the tip of the tube with an alcohol wipe. If you are not wearing protective gloves, wash your hands again.

• 5

  Reconnect the bag.