Variability in Catheter Microwave Sterilization Techniques in a Single Clinic Population

Abstract

Significant variation exists in the cleaning and sterilizing techniques used by our patients, although they were given uniform written and verbal instructions. It is unclear from the data in the literature how this variation affects sterilization.

The microbiological and physical properties of catheters for intermittent catheterization: A systematic review on the impact of reuse and cleaning methods

“…The literature search yielded 9613 articles. After eliminating duplicates and reviewing the remaining titles and abstracts (Figure 1), a total of 12 studies 7,16,19,21,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] that included outcomes of catheter bacterial colonization or changes in physical properties following cleaning of catheters for reuse were eligible and included (Table 1).…”

“…To date, there is no reported consensus on the preferred method of cleaning, nor the period of time that a single catheter may be reused. 20 Obtaining consensus is further complicated by the fact there is high variability and poor compliance when performing cleaning techniques, leading to an increased risk of bacterial colonization 20,21 and LUT symptoms. Consequently, it is of great interest to determine if there are effective catheter cleaning methods to help ensure patient safety for those who choose to reuse them, and to potentially reduce the environmental impact and financial burden of single-use catheters onto the healthcare system.…”

Clean intermittent catheterization: Single use vs. reuse

“…The lack of evidence-based recommendations are sure to confuse the general public and alter their adherence to cleaning methods. 23,24 These facts suggest single use of catheters as a potential remedy. It is also important to consider the effects that cleaning and repetitive uses can have on catheters.…”

“…It is also important to consider the effects that cleaning and repetitive uses can have on catheters. 18,[22][23][24][25] The American Urology Association (AUA) White Paper on Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections provides no recommendation on cleaning the reusable catheters, stating that HC catheters may be preferable to standard non-coated catheters. 4 that allow for use of a new catheter several times per day.…”

“…Several methods have been reported in the literature including: cleaning with antibacterial soap and water, alcohol sterilization, using aseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine 1.5% and cetrimide 15%, microwave sterilization, simply rinsing with water and combinations of these methods. [22][23][24][25] A literature review in 2014 could not recommend a standardized method for cleaning reusable catheters 3 and to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trials have compared the efficacy of different cleaning methods since then. Although a systematic review which was published in 2017 referred to 2 articles which recommended a sterile (aseptic) technique, 26 neither this review nor the Cochrane review provided any statistically significant recommendation on cleaning standards.…”