Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving any part of the urinary system, including urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidney. UTIs are the most common type of healthcare-associated infection reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Among UTIs acquired in the hospital, approximately 75% are associated with a urinary catheter, which is a tube inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain urine. Between 15-25% of hospitalized patients receive urinary catheters during their hospital stay. The most important risk factor for developing a catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) is prolonged use of the urinary catheter. Therefore, catheters should only be used for appropriate indications and should be removed as soon as they are no longer needed.
Resources for Patients and Healthcare Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions about CAUTIs
- October 2008 Supplement of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (Volume 29, Number S1)
FAQ's about Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection 
8.5" by 11" poster is available in the following formats:
- FAQs about Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection [PDF - 208 KB]
- FAQs about Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection - Black and White format [PDF - 180 KB]
- Download FAQs about UTI Larger text PDF for printing [PDF - 210 KB]
- En español: Preguntas frecuentes "Infección urinaria asociada al catéter urinario" [PDF - 217 KB]
Prevention
CDC, in collaboration with other organizations, has developed guidelines for the prevention of Catheter-associated UTIs and other types of healthcare-associated infections. Facilities can monitor the rates of Catheter-associated UTIs and assess the effectiveness of prevention efforts through CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
- Guideline for Prevention of Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections 2009
- CAUTI Guideline Fast Facts
Watch this Podcast: Dr. Sanjay Saint discusses Catheter-associated UTIs - Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Toolkit [PDF - 483 KB]
CAUTI Toolkit [PPT - 996 KB] available in PowerPoint format
Activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives
Toolkits
- Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) Toolkit [PDF - 483 KB]
CAUTI Toolkit [PPT - 996 KB] available in PowerPoint format
Activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives - CAUTI Baseline Prevention Practices Assessment Tool For States Establishing HAI Prevention Collaboratives [PDF - 229 KB]
Prevention Resources for State Health Departments
- Collaboration Primer: Establishing HAI Prevention Collaboratives
Collaboration Primer [PPT - 920 KB] available in PowerPoint format.
Monitoring Catheter-associated-UTIs
CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network Patient Safety Component includes surveillance methods to identify and track device-associated infections, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections. [More…]
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