New CDC Guidelines Give Nod to Bladder Volume Ultrasound

Patient Experience

By: OSD Staff

Published: 12/16/2009

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Portable technology helpful in reducing the number of catheterizations and related urinary tract infections.


Portable bladder volume ultrasound, proven to reduce the number of catheterizations and related urinary tract infections, is included in the new 2009 CDC guidelines for the Prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections. The CDC guidelines, introduced last month, replace the previous guidelines that date back to 1981.

"With bladder ultrasound now included in the new guidelines, many other healthcare providers will be able to include this valuable tool in their catheter bundles," says Gerald McMorrow, CEO and founder of Verathon, maker of the BladderScan 3D ultrasound bladder volume instruments.

The new CDC guidelines include the following information for portable ultrasound:

  • Consider using a portable ultrasound device to assess urine volume in patients undergoing intermittent catheterization to assess urine volume and reduce necessary catheter insertions.

  • If ultrasound bladder scanners are used, ensure that indications for use are clearly stated, nursing staff are trained in their use and equipment is adequately cleaned and disinfected in between patients.

  • Implement quality improvement programs or strategies to enhance appropriate use of indwelling catheters and to reduce the risk of CAUTI based on a facility risk assessment.

    In 2002, the CDC estimated that UTIs accounted for 36% of all nosocomial infections. That year, more than 13,000 deaths were attributed to hospital-acquired UTIs. The new CDC guidelines indicate that "an estimated 17% to 69% of CAUTI may be preventable with recommended infection control measures, which means that up to 380,000 infections and 9000 deaths related to CAUTI per year could be prevented."

    Dan O'Connor

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