Preventing catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)

You have been given this leaflet because you have (or are due to have) a catheter placed in your bladder e.g., you are having an operation.

What is a catheter?
A catheter is a soft, flexible tube that is passed through your waterpipe (urethra) into your bladder to drain urine. Your catheter is generally connected to a bag that will be on a stand next to you or in some cases may strap to your leg. The bag fills with urine, keeps your bladder empty and can be emptied when full.

What is a CAUTI?
A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) occurs when germs (usually bacteria) enter the urinary tract through the urinary catheter and cause infection.

CAUTI prevention
Hands should always be washed with soap and water or rubbed with alcohol gel before touching the catheter e.g., emptying the bag. If your nurse is looking after your catheter, they should also do this.

• Catheters should be washed each day with warm, soapy water, at the same time as you wash, shower, or have a bath. Wash the catheter away from the water pipe so as not to encourage germs to enter the body and cause infection.
• Always keep your urine bag below your bladder, which is at the level of your waist. This will prevent urine from flowing back into your bladder from the tubing and urine bag, which could cause an infection.
• Ensure a securement/fixation device is used. This is a product that is attached to the top of your leg to hold the catheter in place, preventing damage/inflammation to your water pipe (urethra) which can increase the risk of infection.
• Do not tug or pull on the tubing.
• You need to drink plenty of fluids to keep the urine flowing. Drinking two to three litres of fluid per day (six to eight large glasses of fluid) can help reduce the risks of blockages and catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
• If your urine becomes dark, this may mean you are not drinking enough, and you should increase the number of drinks that you have.
• Each day your nurse/medical team will assess whether you still need your catheter. Removal of catheters that are not needed is very important to prevent infection.

You will always have bacteria (germs) in your urine if you have had a catheter for more than a few days. This does not mean you have a urine infection, and you do not need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics are only needed if you develop symptoms of a urine infection.

If you have symptoms e.g., feel hot, bladder discomfort/pain, please let your nurse know.