Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC)

A technique for intermittent catheterization without having to touch the catheter, which provides better hygiene.

Description
Intermittent Self Catheterization (ISC) involves regularly draining the urinary bladder with a disposable catheter.

Technique:
The user soaks the catheter in water for about 30 seconds in its own package (Photo 3), then he connects the catheter to a urine bag (Photo 2). To avoid touching the catheter he opens the catheter package with his teeth on the other side as well and pulls back the package so that the catheter tip comes out. The catheter package serves as protection and he can insert the catheter without touching it (Photo 1).

Catheter model: LoFric from Astra Tech

Authors comments
Not having to touch the catheter improves hygiene during intermittent catheterization.

Manufacturer
Astra Tech, www.astratech.com/ (catheter), last checked March 2011

Idea
Friend of user

Paid for by
County council

Tip is dated from 2007

Categories for this tip
self care » toileting, Tips and tricks from people with High tetraplegia with partly function in arms/hands (C5-6, ASIA A, B).

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