Urinary
Catheters
SUMMARY
Updated 11/04
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Introduction
The urinary tract is the most common site of nosocomial infection,
accounting for approximately 40% of nosocomial infections in most
hospitals. Only healthcare workers who are instructed and competent
in the correct technique of aseptic catheter insertion and maintenance
should handle catheters.
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Procedures
Limit Use
Only insert urinary catheters when medically necessary. Remove
catheters as soon as possible.
Hand Hygiene Before and After
Gloves must be worn to manipulate the catheter site or apparatus.
Hand hygiene should be preformed before putting on gloves and after removal.
Follow Procedure
Insert catheters using sterile equipment and aseptic technique.
Use as small a catheter
as consistent with good drainage. Secure indwelling catheters properly
to prevent movement and urethral traction. Change indwelling catheters
when medically indicated rather than at a fixed interval.
Use Closed Sterile Drainage
A sterile, closed continuous drainage system should be maintained.
Avoid Irrigation
Avoid irrigating the catheter unless necessary for diagnostic
or therapeutic reasons.
Sterile Specimen Collection
To examine small volumes of fresh urine, clean and disinfect the
sampling port, and aspirate urine with a sterile needle and syringe.
NEW! Aseptic technique should be used to remove urine
from the drainage bag to obtain larger volumes used for special non-microbiologic analysis.
Maintain Urinary Flow
Do not obstruct the flow except to temporarily clamp the catheter
for specimen collection or other medical purposes. Take measures
to maintain flow including regular emptying of the collection bag
(do not allow the drainage spigot to contact a non-sterile collection
container), replacing poorly functioning or obstructed catheters,
and keeping collection bags below the level of the bladder. Do not
allow the catheter or collection tube to kink.
Meatal Care
Catheter care includes gentle cleaning of the perineal area with
soap and water.
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