Prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)

The aim of all hygiene measures is to reduce nosocomial infections and protect employees from occupational infections. In order to keep the infection rate as low as possible, you should consider and optimize the entire process and develop bundle strategies.

Focus topic

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections in veterinary medicine (CAUTI – Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections).

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Indication

Strict medical indication and limitation of the number of days with catheterization appear to be the most effective prevention.

Catheter placement: First, hygienic hand disinfection (e.g., SoftaMan® pure) should be carried out and low-germ examination gloves (e.g., Vasco Nitrile sky-blue) should be worn. If necessary, shorten the hair in the area and aseptically prepare the entire area around the vulva/penis as well as the vulva and penis themselves with mucosal disinfectants based on iodine or polyhexanide (e.g., Braunol®, ProntoVet®). The contact time must be observed. The catheter should be sterile and inserted under aseptic cautery. Hand disinfection (e.g., SoftaMan ® pure) as well as the wearing of sterile gloves (e.g., Vasco® OP Grip) are absolutely necessary.

A black dog lying on a blue blanket next to a veterinary professional wearing blue gloves and holding a packaged urinary set

Drainage systems: Closed drainage systems with a backflow preventer (e.g., Urimed® B'Bags) and a drain valve should be used. In case of prolonged use or regular bacteriological examinations, drainage systems that meet the requirements for hygienic sampling (e.g., Urimed® SP; Ureofix® 112 Plus) should be used. Any sagging of hoses and lines should be avoided.¹ The drainage system should always be emptied before urine comes into contact with the backflow preventer.

Connection/Disconnection: Wherever possible, do not disconnect the urinary catheter and the drainage system. If it should nevertheless be necessary, the connection site must be disinfected with alcoholic agents (e.g., Softasept® N) before disconnecting and reconnecting.¹

Care: Hygienic hand disinfection (e.g., SoftaMan® pure) must be carried out ahead of every manipulation.
The genital area should be cleaned daily with a suitable antiseptic.

Appropriate products

Softa-Man® pure

Contains dexpanthenol, bisabolol and allantoinFree of perfume and colourantsActive against bacteria incl. MRSA, mycobacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses and rotavirusActive ingredients per 100ml solution:45 g ethanol (100 %), 18 g propan-1-olTested according to EN 1275, prEN 12054/EN 13727,EN 13624, EN 14348, EN 1500, EN 1279175 ml with spray head bottle, 100 ml bottle, 500 ml bottle, 500 ml bottle with pump, 1000 ml bottle, 1000 ml bottle with pump

Softasept® N uncolored

Ready-to use alcohol basedsolution for pre-operative skin disinfection as well as before injections and venous puncturesActive ingredients per 100 g solution:74.1 g ethanol (100%), 10 g propan-2-olActive against bacteria incl. MRSA, mycobacteria, fungi, enveloped viruses and rotavirusTested in vitro and under simulated practical conditions according to DGHM / VAH

ProntoVet®

The patented ProntoVet® formula of polihexanide and betaine cleans the wound and gently removes biofilm.ProntoVet® is non irritating and pain-free, very well tolerated by skin and mucous membranes, and acts without restriction in the presence of blood and protein.Indication:Irrigation of wounds and wound cavities of all typesGentle to tissue und pain-free removal of crusted dressingsMoistening of dressingsLong lasting, moist wound covering (ProntoVet® Gel)Features:SterileColorlessReady for useCan be used for 8 weeks after opening*Practical caps with sealing pin for easy openingGel consistency prevents flow off from the target location*at room temperatureAvailable in:30 ml as gel 350 ml as solutionPractical tip:ProntoVet® is ideal for wound irrigation at home and belongs in the first-aid kit of every pet owner!

Braunol®

Aqueous povidone-iodine solution for antiseptic treatment of skin, mucous membranes and woundsActive ingredients per 100 g solution:7.5 g povidone-iodine (with 10% available iodine)Effective against bacteria incl. MRSA, mycobacteria, fungi

Vasco® Nitril sky-blue

Vasco® Nitril sky-blue gloves comply with the following standards and regulations:Medical Device Class I according to Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745EN 455 1-4Personal Protective Equipment Category III according to Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425EN ISO 21420, EN ISO 374, EN 16523, ISO 16604ISO 9001, ISO 13485Conformity for food contact according to 1935/2004/EEC