Frequently Asked Questions

Mediquip Medical FAQs

Mediquip Medical Supplies Statement

Mediquip Medical Supplies offer a wide range of products and some are more niche then others. If you have any further questions that are not answered here, please let us know via email and a member of the team will be sure to help.

Q. What is a Jaques Catheter?

A. This is a urinary catheter which does not remain in the bladder after catheterization. It is usually made from rubber latex or PVC. Length is approx. 12”. It has a single eye and is available in various gauges. Purchase HERE.

Q. What is a self-retaining catheter?

A. A urinary catheter which can remain in the bladder and is held in place by a balloon which prevents it falling out. The catheter provides continuous drainage when attached to one of the numerous types of drainage bag available. A spigot can be inserted into the draining end of the catheter and released at regular intervals. Made from latex, pvc, silicone etc; It is available in various gauges with balloon sizes 5mls-30mls. Purchase HERE.

Q. What does FG mean?

A, FG stands for French Gauge and is the most common measurement used for catheter sizes. Named after the French instrument maker Charriere who lived in the 19th Century. The system measures the diameter of the catheter in millimetres. One Charriere (CH or FG) unit = 1/3mm, so that a 12CH is 4.0mm in diameter. Most catheters are available in even sizes only eg FG12-FG14 etc.

Q. What is a FOLEY self-retaining catheter?

A. A Foleys catheter is an indwelling flexible tube retained in the bladder by a balloon for the purpose of continuous drainage. In its basic form it has two interior channels, one for drainage and one for the balloon inflation. Another type the Foley-Stewart has a third channel for bladder irrigation.
A prefilled Bardcomatic catheter is a self retaining Foleys catheter but the balloon is pre-filled with the correct volume of sterile water. To inflate this type of catheter the clip on the inflation channel is released once the catheter is in position and the balloon inflates. No syringe is required to inflate the pre-filled version. A syringe is needed to inflate the standard Foley catheter.

Q. Do catheter lengths vary?

A. Yes. The most common lengths are Male – at approx 16”. Standard –
Suitable for male and female at approx 14” and Female at approx. 9”.

Q .What catheter size should be used?

A.The correct size is the smallest size that is capable of providing adequate drainage. For initial catheterization FG12 or FG14 would be a reasonable choice.

Q. What is the urethra and how long is it?

A. The urethra is the canal through which urine passes from the bladder. In women this is usually 1,5” and in men approx. 8”.

Q. How are Mediquip Medical supplied catheters sterilised?

A. Disposable catheters are now being used in increasing quantities and these are discarded after use. They are supplied in sterile packs. The penalty of insufficient sterilization is bladder infection and such methods as boiling for 5minutes or chemical disinfection should not be relied upon.

Q. How long could a catheter stay in the bladder?

A. This varies depending on the type. A 100% silicone catheter could stay in position for up to three months if no problems were encountered. A latex catheter would be considered a short term catheter and would last approx. two weeks. For more information on Catheters, please follow this NHS Link.