To describe a catheter tip syringe in brief, it is a “syringe without a needle.” It can also be called “irrigation syringe” or “tipped syringe”.
These are syringes whose principal use is to flush or clean a catheter or a gastrostomy tube. They are also used to inject fluid through a tube. Used in injecting a liquid or a drug, the barrel has clear and precise markings for measuring the volume to be administered. A retaining ring is put in place to prevent accidental withdrawal of the plunger from the barrel. For the patient’s safety, the syringe is individually wrapped and sterile.
A catheter tip syringe has polypropylene (PP) as the building material. It consists of the following parts: PP barrel, PP plunger, and latex or latex free gasket. The 50 and 60 ml catheter tip syringes are normally provided with PP protective cap, while the 100 and 120 ml are equipped with connectors.
Catheter tip syringes are available in 50, 60, 100, 120 ml or larger.
The catheter tip syringe and a catheter work together. A catheter is a flexible tube inserted through a narrow opening into a body cavity, particularly the bladder, for removing fluid. One type of catheter is called a Foley catheter. Upon inserting it into the urinary bladder, a small balloon at the tip inflates to anchor it inside the bladder. Once secured, it stays in place until after suctioning out the water in the balloon.
Uses of catheter tip syringe in brief
- To inflate the balloon of the Foley catheter by injecting fluid into it.
- To deflate the balloon of the Foley catheter by aspirating the fluid placed inside it.
- To flush the catheter with liquid to remove an obstruction or to clean it.
- To inject fluid, medications, or authorized feedings through the nasogastric tube.
- To flush fluid into the nasogastric duct to remove the obstruction or clean it.
- To inject air through the nasogastric tube to determine if the device’s tip is inside the stomach.
- To aspirate the fluid content of the stomach.
- To irrigate a wound.
