19/08/2025
🚨 Why is the urine bag purple? 🚨
Sometimes, caregivers notice that the urine in a catheter bag turns purple in colour. This is a condition known as Purple Urine Bag Syndrome (PUBS).
👉 It happens when certain bacteria in the urinary tract react with chemicals in urine, especially in elderly patients with long-term catheters. While the purple colour itself is not dangerous, it usually means there is an underlying urine infection.
⚠️ Risk factors include:
Long-term urinary catheter use
Elderly or bedridden patients
Constipation
Alkaline urine
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
✅ What to do if you see purple urine:
1) Change the catheter and urine bag
2) Ensure good hydration and bowel care
3) Consult a doctor for urine culture and antibiotics if infection is confirmed
At GP House Call, our doctors provide home medical care in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and Klang Valley — including UTI treatment at home, urine tests, and catheter change services.
📞 For urgent medical care at home, contact GP House Call today.