Intermittent Catheterization: Sterile or Clean?

Bacteriuria--asymptomatic and symptomatic--always has the potential to develop into a serious problem when intermittent catheterization is being used. Research on the best method of reducing bacteriuria is inconclusive. Studies have focused on the use of sterile technique, oral or vesical antibiotics, and the frequency of catheterization. This article presents a summary of current research on bacteriuria in the patient requiring intermittent catheterization.