Making a choice of catheterisation gel and the role of chlorhexidine

It is estimated that over 90 000 people in the UK community live with an indwelling catheter ( Wilson, 2016 ). It is essential that a lubricating gel is used during catheterisation, as this helps to reduce the risk of pain, trauma and infection ( Loveday et al, 2014 ; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2012 ). Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic contained in many catheterisation gels. Evidence demonstrates that increasing numbers of patients are experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to this ingredient ( Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, 2014 ). This article considers the range of catheterisation gel choices available to clinicians and the importance of selecting the correct gel for each patient. It addresses the benefits of using OptiLube Active CHG Free (with lidocaine 2%) - the only catheterisation gel currently available in the UK that contains the benefits of local anaesthetic without chlorhexidine - and recommends that this should be the gel of choice for non-specialist staff conducting catheterisations without individual patient assessments.