Why Choose Bard Biocath™ Hydrogel Coating

Traditional Foley catheters without specialized coatings can cause friction during insertion and withdrawal, leading to urethral trauma, patient discomfort, and increased irritation risk. The Biocath™ hydrogel coating transforms on contact with moisture—hydrating to create a smooth, slippery surface that significantly reduces friction throughout the catheterization period. This lubricious layer eases initial insertion with less force required, reduces discomfort during indwelling period, and enables gentler removal at the end of catheterization. The 5cc balloon provides secure retention for routine short- to intermediate-term use, while large, smooth eyelets ensure consistent urine drainage. With 14 French sizing suitable for most adult patients and DEHP-free, latex-free construction, Biocath™ delivers reliable, comfortable catheterization for both patients and healthcare providers.

Key Features & Benefits

• Hydrogel-coated shaft creates lubricious, low-friction surface when hydrated—reduces urethral irritation
• 2-way design — one lumen for urine drainage, one for balloon inflation
• 14 French (Fr) size — standard diameter for most adult catheterization
• 5 cc balloon capacity provides secure retention for routine use (inflate with sterile water only)
• Large, smooth eyelets promote consistent urine flow without obstruction
• Kink-resistant tubing maintains open lumen for reliable drainage
• Color-coded funnel (14 Fr designation) for quick size identification
• DEHP-free, latex-free materials reduces exposure concerns and allergic reaction risk
• Sterile, single-use individually packaged for hygiene and convenience
• 10 catheters per box provides facility or clinical supply

Clinical Applications

Ideal For:

• Routine adult catheterization requiring short- to intermediate-term drainage
• Patients needing reduced insertion trauma from hydrogel lubrication
• Post-operative bladder drainage following surgical procedures
• Acute urinary retention requiring immediate drainage
• Perioperative use during and after surgery
• Monitoring urine output in critical care or medical/surgical units
• Patients with latex sensitivities (latex-free construction)
• Standard hospital and clinical catheterization protocols

Catheterization Duration: The Biocath™ hydrogel Foley is designed for short- to intermediate-term use as directed by healthcare protocols. Replace per facility policy or clinical judgment.

Hydrogel Coating Technology

How Hydrogel Works: The hydrogel coating is a specialized polymer layer applied to the catheter shaft that undergoes transformation when exposed to moisture:

1. Dry State: Coating is smooth but relatively standard
2. Contact with Moisture: Coating absorbs fluid and hydrates
3. Hydrated State: Creates a slippery, lubricious surface layer
4. Result: Significantly reduced friction during insertion, indwelling, and removal

Clinical Benefits:

• Easier insertion with less force required
• Reduced urethral trauma and microabrasions
• Less patient discomfort during catheterization
• Gentler removal at end of catheterization period
• May reduce catheter-associated complications from friction

Hydration: The coating hydrates naturally on contact with body fluids and moisture during insertion. Some protocols may recommend brief pre-wetting with sterile water or saline per manufacturer instructions for optimal lubrication.

14 French Standard Sizing

14 French (Fr) = 4.7mm diameter

Why 14 Fr is Common:

• ✅ Large enough for adequate urine flow
• ✅ Small enough for comfortable insertion
• ✅ Standard size for most adult patients
• ✅ Balances drainage efficiency with patient comfort

Other Sizes: Biocath™ Foley catheters are available in various sizes (12 Fr, 16 Fr, 18 Fr, etc.) to accommodate different patient needs. Healthcare providers select size based on patient anatomy, drainage requirements, and clinical protocols.

5cc Balloon Specifications

Balloon Function: The 5cc balloon is inflated after insertion to hold the catheter securely in the bladder, preventing accidental displacement. This smaller balloon size (compared to 10cc or 30cc) is appropriate for routine adult catheterization.

Inflation:

• ✅ Use sterile water only (never saline—crystallization risk)
• ✅ Inflate with exactly 5cc sterile water per manufacturer instructions
• ✅ Verify balloon inflation before connecting to drainage
• ✅ Ensure complete deflation before removal

Large, Smooth Eyelets

The catheter features large, smooth drainage eyelets (openings near the tip) designed to:

• Allow efficient urine flow from bladder into catheter
• Resist blockage from debris or sediment
• Provide smooth edges that don't irritate bladder wall
• Maintain consistent drainage throughout catheterization period

The polished eyelet design reduces the risk of bladder wall irritation or trauma from catheter movement.

Usage & Application

Healthcare Professional Use Only This product is intended for use by trained healthcare professionals following appropriate sterile technique and facility protocols.

Insertion:

1. Prepare sterile field and gather all necessary supplies
2. Perform hand hygiene and don sterile gloves
3. Apply antiseptic per facility protocol
4. Apply sterile lubricant or anesthetic gel to urethral opening
5. Optional: Pre-wet hydrogel coating with sterile water/saline per instructions
6. Insert catheter gently using sterile technique
7. Advance until urine begins to flow
8. Continue advancing 1-2 inches further to ensure catheter is fully in bladder
9. Inflate balloon with 5cc sterile water using the balloon port
10. Gently pull back on catheter until balloon rests against bladder neck
11. Connect to closed sterile drainage system
12. Secure catheter to patient's leg per protocol to prevent traction injury

Maintenance:

• Maintain closed drainage system at all times
• Keep drainage bag below bladder level
• Empty drainage bag when ⅔ full or per protocol
• Monitor urine output and catheter patency
• Perform catheter care per facility protocols
• Never disconnect catheter from drainage bag unnecessarily

Removal:

1. Prepare supplies and position patient comfortably
2. Completely deflate balloon by withdrawing all 5cc of water from balloon port
3. Verify balloon is fully deflated
4. Ask patient to take deep breath and relax
5. Gently withdraw catheter with steady, smooth motion
6. Hydrogel coating facilitates comfortable removal
7. Discard catheter per facility waste protocols
8. Monitor patient for post-catheterization voiding

2-Way Design

Dual-Lumen System:

• Drainage Lumen: Large internal channel allows urine to flow from bladder through catheter to collection bag
• Balloon Inflation Lumen: Smaller channel leads to balloon port for inflation/deflation

The 2-way design is standard for routine Foley catheterization. (3-way catheters, which include an irrigation port, are used for continuous bladder irrigation procedures.)

DEHP-Free, Latex-Free Construction

DEHP-Free: DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) is a plasticizer that has potential health concerns. DEHP-free catheters eliminate this exposure, particularly important for patients requiring prolonged or repeated catheterization.

Latex-Free: No natural rubber latex means safer for latex-allergic patients and reduces allergic reaction risk in sensitive populations.

Color-Coded Identification

The color-coded funnel provides quick visual identification of catheter size (14 Fr), reducing selection errors and improving workflow efficiency in clinical settings.

Storage & Handling

Storage:

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep in original sterile packaging until ready to use
• Do not use if package is damaged or opened
• Check expiration date before use

Handling:

• Maintain sterile technique throughout insertion
• Do not reuse—single-use only
• Follow facility protocols for sterile catheter insertion
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment

Product Specifications

• Product: Bard Biocath™ Hydrogel Foley Catheter
• Type: Indwelling urethral catheter, 2-way
• Coating: Hydrogel for low-friction, lubricious surface
• Size: 14 French (Fr) = 4.7mm diameter
• Balloon: 5 cc (inflate with sterile water only)
• Lumens: 2-way (drainage + balloon inflation)
• Eyelets: Large, smooth, polished drainage eyes
• Tubing: Kink-resistant for reliable drainage
• Funnel: Color-coded for 14 Fr size identification
• Materials: Medical-grade; DEHP-free, latex-free
• Length: Standard Foley length for adult use
• Sterility: Sterile, single-use only
• Best For: Routine adult catheterization, short- to intermediate-term use, patients benefiting from hydrogel lubrication
• Packaging: 10 catheters per box