A Foley tube/catheter size 18 (often referred to by 18 French or 18 Fr) is a flexible, indwelling urinary tube used to drain the bladder. While the standard color-coding for size 18 is often blue or red in some systems, some specific brands or regional variations may label their products differently.
Key Features & Usage (Size 18 Fr):
- Purpose: Commonly used for post-operative urinary drainage, urinary retention, and in cases where a larger lumen is needed compared to standard 14/16 Fr sizes.
- Structure: Available as a 2-way (drainage and balloon inflation) or 3-way (drainage, balloon, and irrigation) system.
- Material: Frequently constructed from silicone-coated latex or 100% medical-grade silicone.
- Balloon: Typically equipped with a 5cc to 30cc retention balloon.
- Characteristics: Usually features a sterile, radiopaque line for X-ray detection and soft, rounded tips for atraumatic insertion.
