Why Hydrogel Coating for Foley Catheters

Hydrogel-coated catheters offer significant advantages over uncoated alternatives—the hydrophilic coating activates with moisture to create an exceptionally smooth, slippery surface that reduces insertion trauma and patient discomfort. Additionally, the coating helps resist mineral encrustation buildup during extended wear, potentially extending catheter life and reducing the need for premature replacement.

Key Features & Benefits

• Hydrogel coating activates with sterile water for low-friction surface
• 2-way Foley with 5 mL balloon for secure retention (inflate with sterile water)
• 14 French (14 Fr) - universal adult sizing
• Polished, smooth eyelets for consistent drainage and comfort
• Color-coded funnel enables quick French-size identification
• Sterile, single-use packaging for patient safety
• Lower insertion/removal friction supports patient comfort
• Resistant to encrustation for extended wear capability

Clinical Applications

Appropriate for: ✓ Standard adult catheterization requiring 14 Fr sizing
✓ Short- to intermediate-term urinary drainage
✓ Patients requiring reduced-friction insertion
✓ Extended catheterization where encrustation is a concern
✓ Surgical procedures requiring bladder decompression
✓ Urinary output monitoring in acute care
✓ Post-operative urinary retention management

⚠ LATEX WARNING: This catheter contains natural rubber latex. Verify patient allergy status before use. For latex-allergic patients, select silicone alternative.

Usage & Application - Clinical Guidance

For Healthcare Professional Use Only: This catheter is intended for use by trained clinicians following facility protocols and aseptic technique.

Hydrogel Activation:

• Hydrogel coating activates with moisture
• Apply sterile water-based lubricant generously
• The coating becomes extremely slippery when wet
• Do not use oil-based lubricants

Insertion Protocol:

1. Follow strict aseptic technique throughout procedure
2. Apply generous sterile water-based lubricant to activate hydrogel
3. Insert gently using standard catheterization technique
4. Advance catheter to hub or until urine flows
5. Inflate balloon with exactly 5 mL sterile water (never use saline)
6. Gently retract catheter until balloon seats at bladder neck
7. Secure catheter to patient's thigh to prevent traction injury
8. Connect to sterile closed drainage system

Monitoring & Maintenance:

• Monitor urinary output and catheter patency regularly
• Assess insertion site for signs of irritation or infection
• Maintain closed drainage system integrity to reduce infection risk
• Hydrogel coating helps resist encrustation during extended wear
• Replace catheter per facility protocol and clinical assessment

Balloon Management:

• Use ONLY sterile water for balloon inflation (5 mL exactly)
• Never use saline (can crystallize and prevent deflation)
• Ensure complete balloon deflation before removal
• Never inflate balloon in the urethra

Removal:

• Use syringe to withdraw all 5 mL from balloon port
• Hydrogel coating reduces friction during removal
• Remove catheter gently - never force if resistance is felt
• Monitor patient after removal for ability to void

Product Specifications

Type: Foley catheter, 2-way (dual lumen)
Size: 14 French (14 Fr) - standard adult sizing
Balloon Capacity: 5 mL (inflate with sterile water only)
Material: Latex catheter shaft with bonded hydrogel coating
Coating: Hydrophilic hydrogel (activates with moisture)
Drainage Eyes: Dual polished eyelets for optimal flow
Visibility: Radiopaque line for X-ray verification (varies by lot)
Color Coding: 14 Fr funnel color per industry standards
Sterility: Sterile, single-use only - individually packaged
Packaging: Box quantities (specify unit/box at order)
Compatibility: Standard adult urine drainage bags and systems

⚠ LATEX CONTENT: Contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For patients with known or suspected latex allergies, use 100% silicone catheters instead.

BioCath™ hydrogel-coated Foley catheters provide the comfort benefits of reduced-friction insertion and removal while resisting encrustation for extended wear—combining patient comfort with reliable drainage performance.