Healthcare associated infections are a major cause of poor outcomes for patients. Approximately one fifth of healthcare associated infections are urinary tract infections, with the majority being catheter associated. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) results in increased patient morbidity and mortality. Complications associated with CAUTI include: cystitis, pyelonephritis, bacteremia, and, in males, prostatitis, epididymitis and orchitis. Less common complications include: endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and meningitis.
clean the urethral meatus with sterile normal saline before insertion of the catheter
use an appropriate sterile, single-use lubricant or anaesthetic gel
properly secure the catheter after insertion to prevent movement and urethral traction.
Maintenance
maintain an aseptic continuously closed urinary drainage system i.e. minimise unnecessary opening of the system, but empty catheter bags frequently enough to maintain urine flow and prevent reflux
position drainage bag to prevent back-flow of urine i.e. below the level of the bladder or contact of the bag with the floor
do not add an antiseptic or antimicrobial solutions to the bag
avoid catheter irrigation if possible; however, if obstruction is anticipated, closed continuous irrigation may be used
chronic antibiotic suppressive therapy is generally not recommended
routine hygiene i.e. bathing or showering is adequate
do not apply topical antiseptics or antibiotics applied to the catheter, urethra or meatus.
Use of the information and data contained within this site or these pages is at your sole risk.
If you rely on the information on this site you are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency or completeness.
This site includes links to other websites operated by community, business and government.
These linked websites will have their own terms and conditions of use and you should familiarise yourself with these.
All linked websites are linked 'as is' and the Government of South Australia:
does not sponsor, endorse or necessarily approve of any material on websites linked from or to this Site;
does not make any warranties or representations regarding the quality, accuracy, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any material on websites linked from or to this Site;
does not make any warranties or representations that material on other websites to which this site is linked does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any person anywhere in the world; and
does not authorise the infringement of any intellectual property rights contained in material in other websites by linking this site to those other websites.
If you use automatic language translation services in connection with this site you do so at your own risk.
The information and data on this site is subject to change without notice. The Government of South Australia may revise this disclaimer at any time by updating this posting.
The Government of South Australia, its agents, instrumentalities, officers and employees:
make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information and data contained on this site
make no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy or usefulness of any translation of the information on this site or any linked website into another language
make no representations as to the availability of the site and the availability of websites linked from or to the site
accept no liability however arising for any loss resulting from the use of the site and any information and data or reliance placed on it (including translated information and data)
make no representations, either expressed or implied, as to the suitability of the said information and data for any particular purpose
accepts no liability for any interference with or damage to a user's computer, software or data occurring in connection with or relating to this Site or its use or any website linked to this site
do not represent or warrant that applications or payments initiated through this site will in fact be received or made to the intended recipient. Users are advised to confirm the application or payment by other means.