Indications: External Urinary Catheters

The use of an external urine collection device (EUCD) is an effective way to manage and collect urine leakage in men and women who have urinary incontinence. However, these devices are not indicated for the management of urinary obstruction or urinary retention. The 2009 CDC guidelines noted that an EUCD is an alternative to an indwelling urinary (Foley) catheter in male patients without urinary retention or bladder outlet obstruction.   

Appropriate use:

  • Male or female patients who experience urinary incontinence (UI) without urinary retention including long term care residents in nursing homes, patients who are obese and have limited movement, and those patients with UI secondary to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) without sensory awareness due to paralyzing spinal disorders such as spinal cord injury, transverse myelitis, or progressive multiple sclerosis.
  • Patient/caregiver requests for an external device to manage and collect urine leakage.
  • For use in a male patient who has undergone prostate surgery (i.e. post-prostatectomy) who is experiencing stress incontinence who needs a containment system to return to work or usual activities (e.g., golfing).
  • Daily (not hourly) measurement of urine volume that is required (e.g. hospitalized patient) and cannot be assessed by other volume and urine collection strategies in acute care situations (e.g. acute renal failure work-up, bolus diuretics, fluid management in respiratory failure).
  • Single 24-hour or random nonsterile urine sample for diagnostic tests that cannot be obtained by other urine collection strategies.
  • To reduce or minimize acute, severe pain that is a result of movement when other urine management strategies are difficult (e.g. turning patient to remove an absorbent pad causes pain).
  • Managing overactive bladder symptoms and improving comfort in palliative care patients.
  • Use during the night to promote restful sleep and to reduce the risk for falls by minimizing the need to get up to urinate.

Inappropriate use:

  • Any type of urinary retention (acute or chronic, with or without bladder outlet obstruction).
  • Any use in an uncooperative patient expected to frequently manipulate catheters because of such behavior issues as delirium and dementia.
  • Patient or family request in a patient who is continent when there are alternatives for urine containment (e.g. commode, urinal, or bedpan).
  • A need for a sterile urine sample for diagnostic tests where specimen obtained from an EUCD is not sterile.


Written by: Diane K. Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, Adjunct Professor of Urology in Surgery, Research Investigator Senior, Perelman School of Medicine, Co-Director, Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health, Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

April 2020


Written by: Diane K. Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN
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