Foley Catheter Management

General Principles for Catheter Flushing

• For Foley catheters, routine flushing is not recommended as standard practice, and sterile saline should be used when flushing is clinically indicated, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1
• When flushing is clinically indicated, sterile 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) should be used, according to the Clinical Nutrition guidelines 2

Flushing Technique When Clinically Indicated

• Maintain strict aseptic technique during any manipulation of the Foley catheter system, as advised by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3
• Position the catheter and drainage bag properly to ensure continuous drainage, and ensure the drainage bag is positioned below the level of the bladder, as recommended by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3

Prevention of Catheter-Related Complications

• Minimize manipulation of the catheter system to reduce infection risk, maintain a closed drainage system whenever possible, and remove the catheter as soon as it is no longer clinically necessary, as recommended by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3
• Failure to maintain a closed system during flushing increases infection risk, as noted by the MMWR Recommendations and Reports 3