Straight Catheters

Straight intermittent catheters, often called straight or uncoated catheters, are designed to drain the bladder for individuals with neurogenic bladder or other conditions in which the bladder does not function properly. This type of intermittent straight catheter is the first, original type of urinary catheter.

The most common straight catheters are non-coated smooth PVC with staggered eyelets for drainage, but some people prefer red rubber latex straight catheters. Silicone catheters are also available. Many leading catheter brands now make their vinyl catheters without natural rubber latex or chemicals like DEHP.

Straight catheters must be lubricated before use. Typically, the best and most discreet option is using sterile individual packets of catheter lube, although some may prefer a tube of lubricant. We offer both at Patient Care Medical.

Hydrophilic Catheters
Hydrophilic catheters are coated with a hydrophilic polymer that becomes very slippery when wet. This promotes excellent gliding properties and provides lower friction than other catheters. The result is a much more comfortable insertion.

Closed System Catheters
Closed system catheters are pre-lubricated, self-contained catheters, allowing for a sterile environment. It includes an introducer tip that allows the straight catheter to bypass the highest concentrations of bacteria in the first few millimeters of the urethra, significantly reducing the risk of infection. Closed system catheters have an attached collection bag, which allows for discreet catheterizing where facilities are not available and can measure output.