Antiseptic urinary catheterization and maintenance of the bladder catheter

Catheter-related urinary tract infections are very common both in the community and in the acute hospital care setting, particularly in the critical care environment. In order to minimize this problem, it is essential to adopt a correct approach from insertion to withdrawal of the urinary catheter, and always perform proper antisepsis. There is too much information on antisepsis measures with no consistent results. The present article reviews the existing scientific evidence on the subject and establishes recommendations based on the evidence, in order to optimize outcomes. The entire process is complemented with considerations on how to secure proper management of the indwelling urinary catheter. This article is part of a supplement entitled "Antisepsis in the critical patient", which is sponsored by Becton Dickinson.