Top CDC Recommendations to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced an initiative, the Partnership for Patients: Better Care, Lower Costs, aimed at protecting patients in America’s healthcare facilities through the prevention of healthcare-acquired conditions. Medical advances have brought lifesaving care to patients in need, yet many of these advances come with a risk of a healthcare-acquired conditions, including infections.

CDC’s top recommendations to prevent infections

[PDF - 381 KB]

are below:

To Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs:)

• [ ] Insert catheters only for appropriate indications
• [ ] Leave catheters in place only as long as needed
• [ ] Ensure that only properly trained persons insert and maintain catheters
• [ ] Insert catheters using aseptic technique and sterile equipment (acute care setting)
• [ ] Follow aseptic insertion, maintain a closed drainage system
• [ ] Maintain unobstructed urine flow
• [ ] Comply with CDC hand hygiene recommendations and Standard Precautions

Also consider:

• [ ] Alternatives to indwelling urinary catheterization
• [ ] Use of portable ultrasound devices for assessing urine volume to reduce unnecessary catheterizations
• [ ] Use of antimicrobial/antiseptic-impregnated catheters

For the full CAUTI prevention toolkit, visit the Prevention Tools page