The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make the following 10 recommendations to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
1. Insert catheters only for appropriate indications.
2. Leave catheters in place only as long as needed.
3. Ensure that only properly trained persons insert and maintain catheters.
4. Insert catheters using aseptic technique and sterile equipment (acute-care setting).
5. Follow aseptic insertion, maintain a closed drainage system.
6. Maintain unobstructed urine flow.
7. Comply with CDC hand hygiene recommendations and Standard Precautions.
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Also consider:
8. Alternatives to indwelling urinary catheterization.
9. Use of portable ultrasound devices for assessing urine volume to reduce unnecessary catheterizations.
10. Use of antimicrobial/antiseptic-impregnated catheters.
For more guidance, download the CDC's CAUTI Toolkit (pdf).
Source: CDC
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