Why 5 mL Balloon for Standard Indwelling Catheterization

Foley catheters require an inflatable balloon to anchor the catheter inside the bladder, preventing accidental displacement during patient movement or routine care activities. The 5 mL balloon provides reliable retention for short- to intermediate-term catheterization without excessive pressure on the bladder neck—unlike larger balloons that can cause bladder spasms, urethral trauma, or discomfort. This standard balloon size strikes the optimal balance between secure placement and patient comfort, making it suitable for most adult indwelling catheterization needs. The 2-way design features one lumen for drainage and a second for balloon inflation/deflation, providing the essential functionality needed for continuous bladder drainage in hospital, long-term care, and some home settings.

Key Features

• 2-way Foley design: one lumen for drainage, one for balloon inflation
• 5 mL balloon capacity: standard size for secure, comfortable retention
• 14 French (14 Fr) diameter: balanced size for adequate flow and patient comfort
• Smooth rounded tip: atraumatic insertion with minimal urethral irritation
• Polished drainage eyelets: reduce friction during insertion and removal
• Standard adult length: appropriate for most male and female anatomies
• Universal drainage funnel: compatible with standard drainage bag tubing
• Material options: available in latex or 100% silicone (specify SKU)
• Sterile single-use packaging: ready for aseptic insertion
• Color-coded funnel: quick visual size identification

Benefits

• Provides reliable continuous bladder drainage for indwelling use
• Secure balloon retention prevents catheter migration or expulsion
• Smooth tip and polished eyelets minimize insertion trauma
• Standard sizing ensures compatibility with drainage systems
• Material options accommodate latex sensitivities and facility protocols
• Single-use design eliminates reprocessing concerns
• Consistent drainage flow supports accurate output monitoring

Clinical Applications

✓ Post-surgical bladder drainage: continuous monitoring after procedures
✓ Urinary retention: relief for acute or chronic incomplete bladder emptying
✓ Critical care monitoring: accurate urine output measurement in ICU settings
✓ Immobilized patients: drainage for bedridden or mobility-limited individuals
✓ Perioperative use: bladder decompression during and after surgery
✓ Neurogenic bladder: management for spinal cord injury or neurological conditions
✓ Palliative care: comfort and hygiene support in end-of-life care
✓ Short- to intermediate-term use: typically up to 30 days (latex) or 90+ days (silicone)

Usage & Application

For healthcare professionals performing indwelling urinary catheterization in hospital, long-term care, or home healthcare settings. This is NOT an intermittent catheter—it is designed to remain in place with continuous drainage.

Catheter insertion (aseptic technique required):

1. Gather supplies: catheter, sterile gloves, antiseptic solution, sterile water (10 mL syringe), sterile drape, water-soluble lubricant, drainage bag with tubing
2. Position patient appropriately (supine with knees bent for females; supine or semi-recumbent for males)
3. Perform hand hygiene and don sterile gloves
4. Prepare sterile field and cleanse urethral meatus with antiseptic per facility protocol
5. Test balloon integrity: inflate with 5 mL sterile water, observe for leaks, then deflate completely
6. Generously lubricate the catheter tip and shaft (2-3 inches for females, 6-8 inches for males)
7. For females: Insert catheter gently into urethral meatus until urine flows, then advance an additional 1-2 inches
8. For males: Hold penis perpendicular to body, insert catheter gently through urethra until urine flows, then advance to the hub (approximately 7-9 inches total)
9. Once urine flows and catheter is properly positioned, inflate balloon with exactly 5 mL sterile water (never use saline or air)
10. Gently pull catheter until balloon seats against bladder neck—do not force
11. Connect drainage tubing to catheter funnel
12. Secure catheter to patient's thigh (females) or lower abdomen (males) using securement device to prevent tension on urethra
13. Position drainage bag below bladder level

Ongoing catheter care:

• Keep drainage bag below bladder level at all times to maintain gravity drainage
• Empty drainage bag when 2/3 full or per facility protocol
• Maintain closed drainage system—do not disconnect unless absolutely necessary
• Perform routine catheter care per facility protocol (typically daily meatal cleansing)
• Monitor for signs of infection, obstruction, or catheter malfunction
• Document urine output, color, clarity, and any abnormalities

Catheter removal:

1. Empty drainage bag and record final output
2. Don clean gloves
3. Attach empty syringe to balloon port
4. Withdraw all 5 mL from balloon (should aspirate easily—if resistance, do not force)
5. Gently and slowly remove catheter
6. Monitor patient for spontaneous voiding within 6-8 hours post-removal

Duration of use:

• Latex catheters: Typically recommended for up to 30 days
• Silicone catheters: Can remain in place longer (90+ days), check manufacturer guidance

Material selection:

• Latex: Cost-effective for short-term use; contraindicated in latex-allergic patients
• 100% Silicone: For latex-sensitive patients or longer-term catheterization needs

Technical Specifications

• Type: Indwelling urinary catheter (Foley), 2-way
• Size: 14 French (14 Fr)
• Balloon capacity: 5 mL (inflate with sterile water only)
• Lumens: Two (one for drainage, one for balloon inflation/deflation)
• Length: Standard adult length (approximately 16 inches/40 cm)
• Tip design: Rounded, atraumatic tip
• Eyelets: Polished drainage eyes (typically 2 opposing eyes)
• Funnel connector: Universal standard size for drainage bag tubing
• Material options:
  • Latex (natural rubber)
  • 100% Silicone (latex-free)
• Coating: May include hydrogel or other lubricating coatings (varies by specific model)
• Color coding: Funnel color indicates French size
• Sterility: Individually packaged, sterile (ETO or radiation sterilization)
• Intended use: Single-patient use; indwelling catheterization
• Recommended duration: Up to 30 days (latex) or longer (silicone)—follow facility protocols
• Brand: Bard