Infection control manual - NHS Lothian

Insertion and Maintenance of Indwelling Urinary Catheters in
Adults
Author(s): Carol Rae, Audrey Pringle, Mary Brown
Version: 1
Page 2 of 11
Summary of Recommendations
Date of Issue: March 2009 Date of Review: March 2012
1. Aim
Insertion and Maintenance of Indwelling Urinary Catheters in Adults
2. Statement
Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) is the most common
nosocomial infection. Catheterisation places patients in significant danger of
acquiring a urinary tract infection (EPIC 2 2007). Urinary catheters are the
second leading cause of blood stream infections (Health Protection Scotland
2008).
3.Requirements
• A Health Care Professional who has been given formal training and is
competent in the procedure
• Where possible, informed patient consent should be obtained and
documented
• Prepare catheterisation equipment as per policy and ensure that
materials used are not contraindicated for each individual patient use.
• Consider containment options e.g. appropriate catheter bags for clinical
situations
4. Location
This procedure can be undertaken in a hospital, care home or domiciliary
setting.
5.Timing
When clinically indicated.
6.Procedure
1. Undertake procedure ensuring patient dignity and comfort is
maintained
2. Use of NHS Lothian Hand Hygiene Policy (2008) for
catheterisation Procedure
3. Thorough cleansing of glans penis/perineum to minimise risk of
urinary track infection
4. Procedure must be undertaken using NHS Lothian Insertion and
Maintenance of Indwelling Urinary Catheters
5. Maintain asepsis during procedure