How to Sterilize Intermittent Catheters

Intermittent catheterization is a process used by spinal cord patients and people who have limited bladder control. Most spinal cord patients have little or no feeling below the waist; therefore, they do not feel the urge to empty their bladders. In order to prevent incontinence, the person regularly uses a catheter to drain or empty his bladder. Because the catheter is frequently used several times a week, the person must clean and sterilize the catheter to prevent the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are serious infections that can result in death if the infection enters the blood.

Things You'll Need

• Clean plastic gloves
• Antimicrobrial soap
• Paper towel
• Paper lunch bag
• Alcohol
• Cotton ball
• Face towel

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Instructions

• 1

  There are many cleansing products on the market that kill germs.

  Wipe down the sink area with an antibacterial soap solution or any another cleansing product that kills germs. Dry the area with a clean towel or washcloth. Set up a clean face towel on the recently cleaned sink area and place your alcohol, cotton balls and paper towel on it.

• 2

  Gloves do not have to be sterile, as long as you are using an antibacterial soap.

  Put on clean plastic gloves. Take the used catheter and thoroughly wash it in warm soapy water. Make sure to wash the inside of the catheter as well. Rinse the catheter and look to make sure that there is no urine still in the catheter. Wash the catheter again in fresh warm soapy water. Rinse again.

• 3

  Paper towels help absorb moisture.

  Shake off any excess water in the inside and on the outside of the catheter. Place the catheter on a paper towel to allow it to dry. With clean gloves on, soak a cotton ball with alcohol. Wipe the dry catheter with the alcohol-soaked cotton ball from top to bottom.

• 4

  Place the catheter in a paper lunch bag and fold the top down. This will prevent germs from entering the bag and allow for additional drying time. The catheter will be ready for use when the bladder needs to be emptied again. When it is time to re-use the catheter, pull the catheter out of the bag with clean plastic gloves on to prevent possible contamination. A catheter can be washed and re-used for no more than seven days.