Catheter Associated UTI
What can be done to prevent the infection?
The best way to prevent catheter associated UTI's is to:
have the urinary catheter removed as soon as possible.
use intermittent catherization rather than leaving the urinary catheter in place continuously. With intermittent catheterization, the catheter is removed as soon as urine is drained from the bladder. Intermittent catheterization is done several times each day.
be sure the catheter is inserted under sterile conditions
apply an antibacterial ointment at the opening of the urethra
place the urinary drainage bag below the level of the bladder so that urine can flow easily into it
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to bacteremia. Bacteremia is a condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream. This can be a life threatening illness.
What are the risks to others?
A catheter associated urinary tract infection is not contagious.
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