What Is a Catheter Insertion Kit?

Insertion kits include everything a patient or caretaker needs to easily apply a catheterization system or complete catheter irrigation in an at-home setting.

Kits are available with or without a catheter and come with all supplies to insert the device safely and cleanly and later remove it without issue.

With options for intermittent and Foley catheters, insertion kits typically include gloves, a lubricant, collection devices and swabs.

What’s Included in a Catheter Insertion or Irrigation Kit?

Catheter insertion and removal involves cleaning the area and then safely and easily inserting the system for use throughout the day.

Later, the same supplies come in handy for removing the system. However, finding all supplies proves to be time consuming. Catheter insertion kits offer an efficient solution by packaging all essentials together.

Catherization kits and insertion trays typically include:

• A collection tray, container or drainage bag that holds onto and stores the patient’s urine.
• Gloves, which are essential for sterile application and reducing the risk of infection.
• An underpad to ensure bedding for hospitalized or bedridden patients isn’t soiled during the insertion or removal process.
• Antiseptic wipes for cleaning the surrounding area before insertion.
• Lubricant, available on its own for application or pre-lubricating the catheter for insertion.
• Swabs or swabsticks
• A drape
• A prefilled syringe for inflating the system

Within a kit, catherization supplies may be organized by the order in which they’re required for the procedure, with preparation supplies in one compartment and those for insertion in another.

Types of Insertion Trays

Insertion kits and trays are available for the two primary types of catheters: intermittent and Foley.

Foley catheters: This catheterization system assists with the drainage and collection of a patient’s urine. Because it remains in the patient’s bladder via the urethra, the system may also be referred to as an indwelling catheter and includes two individual channels: one in the bladder and the second that allows urine to accumulate in a leg or bedside drainage bag. For flexibility, latex or silicone is typically used for Foley catheters. Shop Foley insertion trays with and without a catheter.

Note: Self-administering of a Foley catheter should first be approved by a doctor before a patient attempts this process at home.

Intermittent catheters: This system is used for temporary catherization, often needed to help drain the bladder of a patient living with urinary incontinence or another bladder issue. Intermittent catheterization systems come in three basic types:

• Coude is a bent, yet flexible system.
• Straight catheters use a rounded tip with a side opening.
• Robinson catheters are also straight tipped but have multiple holes in the tube for a greater amount or urine drainage.

Shop all types of intermittent catheter trays with and without a catheter.