Last Updated: 09/29/11 09:32:09 AM

Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

Urinary tract infections are the most common type of healthcare-associated infections, accounting for more than 30 percent of healthcare-associated infections reported by acute care hospitals. Virtually all healthcare-associated urinary-tract infections (UTIs) are caused by instrumentation of the urinary tract (e.g. insertion of catheters). CAUTI has been associated with increased morbidity, mortality, hospital cost, and length of stay. The good news is that many CAUTIs may be prevented with recommended infection control measures.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) has released the revised 2009 Guideline for Prevention of CAUTIs, which provides valuable prevention information for healthcare providers.

• Insert catheters only for appropriate indications
• Leave catheters in place only as long as needed
• Ensure that only properly trained persons insert and maintain catheters
• Insert catheters using aseptic technique and sterile equipment (acute care setting)
• Following aseptic insertion, maintain a closed drainage system
• Maintain unobstructed urine flow
• Practice hand hygiene and standard (or appropriate isolation) precautions according to CDC HICPAC guidelines

• Consideration of alternatives to indwelling urinary catheterization
• Use of portable ultrasound devices for assessing urine volume to reduce unnecessary catheterizations
• Use of antimicrobial/antiseptic-impregnated catheters