Switching to an antimicrobial solution for skin cleansing before urinary catheterisation.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a cause of considerable concern and any measures which can be taken to potentially reduce the rate of CAUTIs should be given careful consideration. In 2012, the Infection Prevention and Control team at Rotherham Foundation Trust switched from saline solution to an antimicrobial solution (Octenilin® cleaning solution sachets) for skin cleansing prior to urinary catheterisation to try to reduce CAUTIs. Initially, Octenilin cleaning solution sachets were intended for use solely for patients with a current or historical confirmed result of MRSA in the urine and/or other sites. However, use has been extended to other patients, including those with a history of E. coli or Klebsiella, Gram-negative organisms frequently identified as a source of UTIs. Early feedback from using Octenilin cleaning solution sachets in place of saline solution has indicated a high level of satisfaction from both patients and health-care professionals. Reports of catheterisation-associated trauma have reduced significantly and no CAUTIs have been identified to date.