Kidney, Bladder and Genitals Home Care

Sterilization of Urinary Catheters

Intermittent bladder catheterization is a procedure performed by many people due to a variety of urinary tract problems. It is generally done using "clean technique". This means that not all bacteria (germs) are kept from coming into contact with the person being catheterized. Occasionally "sterile technique" is used which means all equipment used, including gloves is sterile. No matter which technique you use, if you re-use catheters, it is important to clean them between uses.

Supplies

• Resealable freezer bags
• Tupperware or similar plastic or metal container with a cover
• 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

Procedure

1. Rinse catheter with tap water for 30 seconds.
2. Place catheter on paper towel to dry for one hour.
3. After it is dry, place it in a container with the alcohol for five minutes. Make sure that the entire catheter is covered with alcohol.
4. Store catheter in freezer bag without rinsing off the alcohol.
5. Just prior to using the catheter, rinse it with tap water (If you have well water, it is probably better to use distilled water).
6. If you have not used the catheter within seven days of soaking it in the alcohol, remove it from the freezer bag and soak it again.
7. You may re-use the freezer bags until they show signs of wear or begin to leak.
8. You may soak several catheters in alcohol at one time, but store each one in a separate freezer bag.
9. Discard the alcohol from the container once a month and fill with a fresh supply. Keep the container of alcohol covered between uses.

Safety Tips

If for some reason you are unable to use alcohol to sterilize your catheters, you may use household bleach with tap water in a 1:4 mixture or betadine solution with tap water in a 1:2 solution. The research that has been done using these two solutions is not as thorough as that done with the alcohol. These two solutions may be just as safe, but the research has not been done.

It is no longer recommended to use a microwave oven to sterilize urinary catheters. The studies that showed sterilization of catheters with the microwave technique were made of latex. Non-latex catheters have not become sterile when microwaved.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your child's doctor if:

• you have difficulty inserting the catheter into the bladder
• there is pain with catheterization
• fever or other symptoms of urinary tract infection are present

Written 4/07

Your Child's Health

Kidney, Bladder and Genitals

• Kidney and Bladder Overview
• Kidney, Bladder and Genitals Anatomy
• Kidney, Bladder and Genitals Conditions and Diagnoses
• Kidney, Bladder and Genitals Tests and Procedures
• Kidney, Bladder and Genitals Home Care
  • 24 Hour Urine Collection
  • Uncircumcised Penis Care
  • Overnight Urine Collection
  • Nephrostomy Tube Care
  • Self Catheterization: Females
  • Self Catheterization: Males
  • Suprapubic Catheter Care
  • Vesicostomy Care
  • After Laser of Warts
  • Foley Catheter Home Care
  • Sterilization of Urinary Catheters
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention+
• Kidney Transplant