Preventing catheter associated urinary tract infections (1507)

Key points below


What is a urinary catheter?

A urinary catheter is a thin tube that goes into the bladder to drain urine(pee).  Urine drains  through the tube into a bag that collects urine.  It may be used:

What can happen when a catheter is in place?

Patients with urinary catheters have a much higher chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). Germs can enter the urinary tract when the catheter is being put in and while it is in the bladder. Your child will be watched for signs of an infection.

Your health care team will take these steps to prevent infection:  

Do not:

Staff will wear gloves to empty the bag at regular times. The drainage spout should not touch the floor.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.