Further research is needed into the selection of intermittent catheters

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There is a lack of evidence that the incidence of catheter related infection is affected by the choice of intermittent catheter or technique for catheterisation according to a Cochrane review.

Mandy Fader, Reader at the Continence and Skin Health Technology Group, London, told delegates at the ACA conference that in the UK the most common strategy is to use sterile, single use, pre lubricated catheters but is more than 15 times the cost of cheaper methods.

She recommended that in light of the cost implications and infection control issues well designed studies are needed to inform policy.