Guidelines for Prevention of Urinary
Tract Infections
1. Indwelling
urinary catheters should be used only when absolutely necessary, should not be
used solely for personnel convenience, and should be discontinued as soon as
possible.
2. Hand
hygiene should be done immediately before and after any manipulation of the
catheter site or apparatus.
3. Use
as small a catheter as possible, consistent with good drainage.
4. Secure
indwelling catheters properly after insertion to prevent movement and urethral
traction.
5. A
sterile closed drainage system is to be used with indwelling catheters.
6. The
meatal-catheter junction and the entire perineal area shall be washed with a
clean washcloth and soap and water daily and as needed.
7. Indwelling
catheters should not be changed at arbitrary fixed intervals. In general, if
the urine is flowing freely, the catheter is not encrusted, and the drainage
bag is functioning well, then there is no need to change the system.