What is a Touch-free Catheter?
Touch-free intermittent catheters, or No-Touch catheters, are medical devices used to manage bladder dysfunction in people who cannot urinate naturally due to various medical conditions. They are designed to provide a sterile and convenient way to empty the bladder without directly handling the device.
While traditional catheters need to be directly touched to insert them into the urethra, increasing the risk of infection and contamination, touch-free intermittent catheters, on the other hand, are incorporated with technologies ( such as a closed system design, a protection sleeve, and lubricated introducer tip) that make it possible to insert the catheter into the bladder easily without directly touching it.
What are the Benefits of NO-Touch Urethral Catheters?
No-touch catheters offer many benefits to patients who require urethral catheterization. They Include;
- Reduced risk of infection: The closed system design of the catheter minimizes the risk of infection by reducing the exposure of the catheter to the outside environment. Studies have shown that no-touch catheters significantly reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Increased comfort: The touch-free design lessens the discomfort and pain of urethral catheterization.
- Convenience: No-touch catheters are easy to use and require little preparation, making them an ideal option for patients who require frequent catheterization.
- Improved hygiene: The closed system design of the catheter minimizes the risk of contamination, making it a more hygienic option than traditional catheters.
- Reduced catheter-associated trauma: The soft, flexible, pre-lubricated tip of the touch-free catheter reduces the risk of trauma to the urethra and surrounding tissues, which can occur with traditional catheters.
- Increased independence: No-touch catheters are designed to be self-inserted with the aid of a health professional, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and privacy during catheterization.
How To Use a No-Touch Intermittent Urethral Catheter
No-touch catheters are easy to use. If you follow these steps, you should have a seamless experience.
- Wash your hands carefully or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Open the packaging of the touch-free catheter kit and remove the catheter.
- Hold the catheter by the protective sleeve and insert it into the urinary opening.
- Gently push the catheter into the urethra until it reaches the bladder. Make sure you follow the instructions provided with the catheter.
- Once the catheter is in place, you will notice the urine will flow into a collection bag.
- When the urine has stopped flowing, gently remove the catheter by pulling it out.
- Dispose of the catheter and any other used materials in a proper manner.
It's crucial to adhere to the catheter manufacturer's recommendations and only use it following your doctor's advice. If you feel discomfort during the catheterization process, stop immediately and seek medical help.
Conclusion
Touch-free urethral catheters have many advantages over regular catheters. They are an excellent choice for people who need to be catheterized often or for a long time.