Abstract: A package for a catheter includes a main housing compartment for housing a distal section of an intravascular catheter. The main housing compartment has an opening allowing removal of the catheter therethrough and includes a first section for housing a distal end portion of the catheter which has at least one port. The first section further includes an absorbent member for absorbing a fluid flowing out through the catheter at least one port. The main housing compartment also includes a second section for housing the catheter central section and a sheath that is mounted thereon. The second section is located at a higher elevation than the first section to ensure that all of the fluid used to flush the catheter remains in the first section. A cover layer seals the main housing compartment from micro-organisms and particles in the surrounding environment but is removable to expose the catheter. A catheter proximal end holding section holds the proximal end of the catheter.