Red Tube Vs. Enclosed Kits

[waters3]

Hi,

Anthony will not be getting the Hollister Advanced enclosed kits anymore because he now has Medicare. I'm trying to get used to using the red tube for cathing Anthony and have some of these until I see what Uromed is going to be sending me.

http://www.shop.com/Bard_Medical_Division_Bard_Red_Rubber_All_Purpose_ Urethral_Catheter_14fr_16_Long_1_ea_-29979989-39596449-p!.shtml

I am used to using the Hollister Advanced Kits that the tube is already lubricated in the bag. I tried to use the red tube tonight and didn't know what to do about lubricating the tube so I just put petroleum jelly on the tube with my gloved hand. Is there another way to lubricate this tube?

Also on the red tube packaging it says not to re-use or resterilize. But Uromed said that people just rinse it off and re-use it, is that correct? Since he is only allowed 4 a month by Medicare's policy I guess we will have to.

How do any of you sterilize or wash for reuse. I just washed it with hot water and sanitary hand soap and am letting it dry for now.

Does this mean I have to carry the big urinal and tube of petrol jelly around now when we go out? As his wheelchair will not allow him close enough to a toilet to let the urine drain into it. Uromed explained something about draining into his leg bag but I can't picture this; he wears one of those sports bags when he goes out? I guess I'll just have to wait to see what they send me. What a pain in the ASSS!!! Any ideas or other supplies for intermittent cathing that Medicare covers are appreciated.

Cindy Waters, Tampa, FL
mom to Anthony c5,c6; 24 yo
March 2003

[ginamarie]

I don't know anything about the red tubes, but I do know that there are extension tubes that can be attached to the catheters so that the urine can drain into the toilet. Hopefully, others will chime in.

[noryn]

I have been away for a bit but generally you should use a water soluble lubricant like ky jelly instead of petroleum jelly. Then just apply the lubricant to the end of the catheter before you insert it or if you insert it into the meatus--however you were taught.

Most people do wash their catheters with plain soap and water (making sure to rinse them well) then allowing them to dry. If you are having problems with UTIs sometimes the insurance will cover single sterile kits but not often.

I am too rusty to assist with the other questions.

[paramoto]

I do not reuse catheters. It is clearly against the manufacturers recommendations, eventhough many people seem to do it without a problem.

I use ky type gel and apply it to the inside of the catheter package, then just run the tip of the cath through the gel. If you choose to do it this way you will learn to form a circle around the orifice (I think it is called the meatus but I am not sure) that will lubricate the catheter as it goes in. Most important, I use a ziplock bag to dump the urine, much like you do with the closed sterile caths. Some brands have occasional leakage problems, others none at all. When I go out, I put a glove and a cath inside the ziplock bag and take a gel tube with me, I usually carry four, five or more bags in my pouch. Do my thing, dump the urine in the toilet, fold the glove around the bag and throw the glove/bag away and go on with my day.

Hope it helps.

[SCI-Nurse]

I would definately NOT recommend using a red (latex) catheter. Get a silicone or PVC catheter instead. Using latex catheters can lead eventually to a dangerous latex allergy. Conveen, Rochester, Mentor, Bard, etc. all make good straight catheters that are non-latex. Don't get pre-lubricated ones (hydrophilic, lubricious) as they cannot be reused.

Never use petroleum jelly or Vasoline. This does not wash out of the urethra and can cause infections. It can also deteriorate any latex products (like your catheters). Always use a water-based lubricant such as KY jelly or Surgilube. I recommend putting the lubricant onto a clean new paper towel, and swiping the catheter through this. Always lubricate at least the first 6-8 inches for men.

There is no evidence that with home catheterization there is any more UTI rate with clean vs. sterile catheterization. In fact, there is some evidence that people are more compliant with doing their caths when they are using clean technique, so the rate of UTI can actually be lower using this method.

You can easily attach a leg bag to the end of the catheter for cathing in the chair, bed or away from home when it is difficult to get to a toilet. Leave off the straps and just hang it from the end of the catheter when usiing it. No need to attach it to the leg at all. Carry it in an under wheelchair seat bag for easiest access when needed. Clean the bag daily with a 10% bleach solution. Extension tubes are an option when cathing into a toilet.

While all catheters are labeled for single use, there is NO scientific evidence that it is unsafe to reuse catheters. This is our normal procedure. You need enough catheters for the number of times you cath daily X 2-3. Replace catheters when they get cloudy (PVC or silicone) or stiff (latex).

Recommended method for cleaning (based on scientific research studies):

Wash catheter and hands with plain (non-scented, non-moisturizing) soap.
Rinse catheter well.
Shake off water.
Fold catheter in a clean, dry bath towel. If you fan-fold the towel, you can fold a day's worth of catheters in one towel.
Set towel/catheter set aside and allow all catheters to air dry at least 24 hours. Use yesterday's cleaned set tomorrow.
Don't use disinfectants or antiseptics on the catheter. Don't store in air-tight containers.
After drying, catheters may be stored or carried in a clean, new brown paper lunch bag. Stick in some hand wipes and lubricant, and a leg bag, and you are set for cathing away from home. Include a zip-lock baggie so you can put your used catheters in this until you get home to clean them as above.(KLD)

[waters3]

thank you all this helps. I was wrong about the petrol jelly. I do actually use what Walmart calls "Personal Lubricant Jelly" and it is water-based. About the red tube that is what I have now but Uromed is sending something else, i'm not sure what with Ant's next order. I will call them and make sure they are not latex.

Paramoto those are good tips about putting gloves in the plastic bag and then using the bag to collect the urine. This helps to simplify things for me.

I asked At Home Medical about what ppl use to clean head of penis before inserting catheter and they said there is something similar to the iodine swabs and they are sending me some.

Again thanks for all the tips.

[SCI-Nurse]

No need to use Betadine or any other antiseptic to clean the skin. Plain soap and water is best when at home, and baby wipes when away from home. Some people develop an allergy to Betadine too, and it does not reduce the risks for UTI in home clean catheterization.

(KLD)

[SCI-Nurse]

I agree with KLD- the research shows no difference once you are out of the hospital. Betadien is really tough on the skin and can cause allergic reactions.
CKF

[Steve Winter]

What research are you referring to that shows reusing is safe? The FDA wrote a statement that there are no studies that show reuse is safe and there are NO catheters that are Legally allowed to marketed as reusable.
Specifically what is the bacteria count on the catheter after it has been washed with soap and water and what study references this?

Are you saying that FDA regs are not enforcable in the outpatient setting?

SW