Dr TIM SANDLE reports on the results of a study to compare the bacterial reduction properties of skin cleansing solutions, used to prevent infection risk arising from urinary catheter insertion.
Urinary catheterisation is a common hospital procedure, undertaken to allow a patient’s urine to drain freely from the bladder for collection. Catheterisation is undertaken by inserting a hollow, latex, polyurethane, or silicone tube into a patient’s bladder via the urethra. Depending upon the medical condition, a catheter will be left in place for a short duration (for example, to measure urine volume) or for an extended period of time (such as patients undergoing major surgery or who require bladder irrigation).
One of the risks associated with catheter insertion is microbial infection, especially if pathogens are present on the outer layer of the skin, which may migrate into the urethra.
Studies suggest that urinary tract infections are the most common type of hospital-acquired infections.1 A urinary tract that becomes infected with pathogenic microorganisms can be difficult to treat and may lead to complications. An associated concern is where the contaminating microorganisms are resistant to antibiotics.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
