Infection control manual - NHS Lothian

5. Timing Only use an indwelling urinary catheter after full consideration of
alternative methods of management.
6. Procedure Explain the procedure and the rationale for the catheterisation to the
patient/formal carer and gain informed consent (Scottish Executive
2006).
Check patient has no contra-indications that would prevent use of an
anaesthetic lubricant.
Where appropriate encourage the patient to have shower or bath prior
to procedure.
Apply plastic apron and perform a social hand wash as per NHS
Lothian Hand Hygiene Guidelines (2008a).
Prepare a trolley or appropriate surface with the required equipment
and take to patient’s bedside.
Ensure privacy, then prepare patient: preserve modesty by limiting
exposure of patient’s body.
Author(s): Carol Rae, Audrey Pringle, Mary Brown
Version: 1
Page 6 of 11
Place non-sterile procedure pad under buttocks to protect bed.
Wash hands as per NHS Lothian Hand Hygiene Policy (2008a)
ensuring hand asepsis.
Open the sterile dressing/catheterisation pack and aseptically place
necessary equipment onto the prepared surface.
Apply 2 squirts of alcohol gel and rub in well to hands.
Apply first pair of sterile nitrile gloves.
CLEANSING PROCEDURE
Female patients
Thoroughly cleanse the vulval area with Normal Saline (community
patients could use cooled boiled water) swabbing from above
downwards. Cleanse the labia minora vestible in turn swabbing from
above downwards to prevent contamination from anal region. Use a
separate swab for each stroke. Identify the urethral meatus and
cleanse.
Male patients
Cleanse the glans penis with Normal Saline (community patients
could use cooled boiled water). In non-circumcised patients, retract
the prepuce (foreskin) slightly to enable the glans penis to be
thoroughly cleansed and urethral meatus visualised. N.B. Do not fully
retract a phimotic or tight foreskin. Remember to return the foreskin
to its normal position following the procedure.