What Is a Closed-System Urinary Catheter?

Closed-system urinary catheters are intermittent catheters attached to drainage bags. Many of them are lubricated while still in their packaging and offer touch-free insertion.

A variety of individuals use closed-system catheters, from those who experience urinary retention to those with spinal injuries. People who travel or catheterize frequently may find closed-system catheters convenient.

Unlike some of their counterparts, closed-system catheters don’t require separate lubrication. They drain urine into a collection bag and are designed to be touch-free.

Always wash your hands before and after catheterization. Keep unused catheters in a clean and dry place and discard each after use.

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1. Introduction
2. Key Components and Design Features
3. Benefits of a Closed-System Catheter
4. Who Can Benefit From a Closed-System Catheter
5. Comparing Closed Systems to Other Catheter Types
6. Tips for Proper Use and Disposal
7. Conclusion

Closed-system catheters are sterile, often pre-lubricated, intermittent urinary catheters that are connected to drainage collection bags. They are designed for cleaner and safer catheterization at home or in clinical settings. Their touch-free system is designed to help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

This blog will dive into how closed-system catheters work, who benefits from them, and what to look for when selecting one.

Lubricant reduces friction for easier insertion. Most closed-system urinary catheters are pre-lubricated in their packaging. Instead of needing to add lubricant, users need only break capsules inside the packaging before opening.

The bag attached to the end of each closed-system catheter collects urine as it drains from the user’s bladder to be emptied at a later time. This helps prevent messes commonly caused by standard intermittent catheters that drain urine directly into toilets.

During insertion, the introducer tip guides the catheter through the urethra, minimizing contact with bacteria and reducing the risk of UTIs.

Hydrophilic coating is similar to a lubricant in that it reduces friction for a smoother insertion.

Some catheters include insertion supplies, like gloves, wipes, and underpads, to make the catheterization process as clean and convenient as possible.

Many caregivers and clinicians recommend closed systems for long-term intermittent catheter users for a few reasons:

Reduced Infection Risk

Both closed-system catheters and standard intermittent catheters are for single-use as-needed throughout the day. In most instances, both types are lubricated while still in their packaging. Many closed-system catheters offer a touchless insertion. This minimizes their contact with external bacteria and lowers the risk of UTIs.

Convenience

Closed-system and standard intermittent catheters are single-use, compact, and easy to use on the go. The difference between the two is that standard intermittent catheters drain urine directly into toilets.

Closed-system catheters are connected to drainage bags and don’t need a flushing toilet to function. They are ideal for travel, especially when bathrooms are hard to access.

Clean Technique

Both closed-system and standard intermittent catheters are inserted several times throughout the day. In many instances, both are pre-lubricated. However, some intermittent catheters require external lubrication.

Closed-system catheters drain into a collection bag, reducing the risk of urine getting on the user’s hands.

Self-Containment

From the in-packaging lubrication to the attached drainage bag, closed-system catheters are sterile, self-contained, and ready to use immediately. Unlike their standard intermittent catheter counterparts, they don’t require a separate drainage setup.

Doctors may prescribe a closed-system catheter to long-term catheter users who travel often, catheterize frequently, or have a history of recurrent urinary tract infections.

Other potential users may be those with:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Neurogenic bladder conditions
• Chronic urinary retention

Closed-system catheters balance independence with sterility and offer several unique benefits when compared to other catheter types.

Lubrication

• Many standard intermittent catheters require separate lubrication.
• Most closed-system catheters are pre-lubricated.

Invasiveness

• External (condom) catheters are non-invasive.
• Closed system catheters are inserted through the urethra.

Drainage

• Indwelling (Foley) catheters continuously drain the bladder.
• Closed system catheters are inserted as needed throughout the day to drain urine into a collection bag.

Best Catheter Hygiene Practices

• Store catheters in a clean, dry place.
• Wash your hands before and after catheterization.
• Always wear gloves when using or throwing away catheters.
• Only use each catheter once.
• Zip used catheters into a plastic bag.
• Throw away the sealed bag into a normal trash can unless otherwise directed.
• Always follow local waste management guidelines¹

Vitality Medical offers a range of closed-system catheters and collection kits from trusted brands.

Closed-system urinary catheters are intermittent catheters that are connected to drainage bags rather than draining directly into toilets. They improve safety, convenience, and infection control for intermittent users. This allows for a cleaner catheterization process and helps prevent infections. Choosing the right system supports hygiene and independence in home urological care.

Vitality Medical is a reliable source for sterile catheter systems, accessories, and urological care products.

• ¹  Frederick, Olivia. “Hygiene Essentials for Intermittent Catheter Care.” urostathealthcare.com, UroStat Healthcare, 23 June 2025, urostathealthcare.com/blog/hygiene-for-intermittent-catheter-care/.