What are urinary tract infections associated with urinary catheters and how can they be prevented?
A urinary catheter is a tube placed in the bladder to drain urine. A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) can occur when bacteria or other germs travel along a urinary catheter, resulting in an infection in the bladder or the kidney. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include fever, tenderness over the lower abdomen, burning during urination, and urinary frequency.

Prevention
CAUTIs are the most frequently occurring health care-associated infection, but their incidence can be reduced with several key health care provider practices:
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Avoid unnecessary catheters. They should be used only when absolutely necessary, such as when there is a urinary obstruction, during some surgeries or when someone is critically ill.
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When a urinary catheter is needed, it should be inserted with sterile technique. Health care providers should use appropriate hand hygiene (which includes hand-washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer), sterile equipment and antiseptic solutions.
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Urinary catheters should be maintained properly once inserted to keep them sterile and unobstructed.
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Once it is no longer needed, a urinary catheter should be removed promptly. The longer a catheter is in place, the greater the risk of infection over time.
What Can You Do as a Patient?
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Clean your hands before and after caring for your catheter.
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Always keep the urine bag that is attached to the catheter below the level of your bladder.
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Don't tug or pull on the catheter tubing.
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Don't twist or kink the catheter tubing.
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Ask your health care provider regularly if you still need the catheter.
For more information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/ca_uti/cauti_faqs.html
For general prevention and safety information about health care-associated infection visit: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/patientsafety/patient-safety.html