Urinary catheters

    

       

    Urinary catheter  gauges

           The French scale (Fr.) is used to denote the size of catheters. Each unit is roughly equivalent to 0.33 mm in diameter (that is, 18 Fr. indicates a diameter of 6 mm). The smaller the number, the smaller the catheter. A larger sized catheter is used for a male because it is stiffer, thus easier to push the distance of the male urethra. Catheters come in several sizes:

–        a. Number 8 Fr. and 10 Fr. are used for children.

–        b. Number 14 Fr. and 16 Fr. are used for female adults.

–        c. Number 20 Fr. and 22 Fr. are usually used for male adults.

Types of urinary catheters

Intermittent Catheter. An intermittent catheter is used to drain the bladder for short periods (5-10 minutes). It may be inserted by the patient.

Retention/Indwelling Catheter. This type of catheter is placed into the bladder and secured there for a period of time. 

Supra Pubic Catheter. This type of catheter is inserted into the bladder through a small incision above the

pubic area. It is used for continuous drainage.

  Catheterization of the urinary bladder is the insertion of a hollow tube through the urethra into the bladder for removing urine. It is an aseptic procedure for which sterile equipment is required. 

Purpose  of using urinary catheterization 

a. Relieve Urinary Retention.

b. Obtain a Sterile Urine Specimen from a Female Patient.

c. Measure Residual Urine.

d. Empty the Bladder Before, During, or After Surgery.

e. Allows accurate measurement of urine output.