Gloucestershire Hospitals /
NHS Foundation Trust
URINARY CATHETERS (ADULT) PROTOCOL ACTION CARD
COLLECTING CATHETER SPECIMEN OF URINE (CSU)
/ UCA10
FOR USE BY: Competent medical and nursing staff
/
LIAISES WITH: Urology Consultant/Registrar, Clinical Nurse Specialist Continence/Urology
Rationale:
Collecting urine samples from catheterised patients with symptoms of sepsis, urinary retention, urological circumstances, renal patients, MRSA screening and DCC patients. (collecting CSU’s is of little value as a routine procedure)
Equipment:
  • 10mL syringe (and green needle, if required)
  • Appropriate sample specimen bottle for the investigation required
  • Disposable apron
  • Non-sterile gloves
  • 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe (steret)
  • Sharps box (UN 3291)
Prior to taking sample:
  • Explain the procedure to the patient, obtain and document informed consent according to Trust or local policy
  • Ensure that privacy and dignity are maintained
  • Assemble equipment at the patient’s bedside and put on disposable apron
  • Hospital setting–wash hands with an appropriate soap solution using correct handwashing technique and put on non-sterile gloves
  • Community setting - if antiseptic solution is not available, clean hands with soap and apply hand gel before putting on non-sterile gloves
Sampling process - ensure safety from sharps injuries when handling syringe and needle
  • Clamp drainage tubing below the level of the sampling port/sleeve if no urine is visible in the tube. DO NOT clamp the catheter itself
  • Clean the sample port/sleeve with 70% isopropyl alcohol (steret) allowing 30 seconds contact time, and a further seconds for the site to dry
  • Collect the specimen with a sterile syringe (or syringe and needle, depending on the sampling facilities of the drainage system)
  • Transfer the sample to the specimen bottle and close lid tightly
  • Dispose of syringe (and needle if used) into sharps box immediately
  • Clean the sample port/sleeve with 70% isopropyl alcohol (steret) allowing 30 seconds contact time
Sample labelling:
  • Ensure that the sample is correctly labelled with patient details and MRN number
  • Ensure that request form is correctly completed
Waste disposal:
  • Hospital - Dispose of theapron and gloves as clinical waste and wash hands. Dispose of sharps containers according to Trust procedure
  • Community - Dispose of theapron and; this should be double bagged and then disposed of in domestic waste. Wash hands afterwards and dispose of sharps containers according to Trust procedure
Contd.
Documentation:
Document sample in the patient’s records. Details must include:
  • Reason for sampling
  • Date and signature
Culturing and treatment:
  • Send sample and request form to laboratory as soon as possible.
  • Send CSU with request form to Microbiology for culture and sensitivity testing
  • Treat with empirical antibiotics according to local guidelines
  • If clinically septic, follow Sepsis Six guidance
  • CONSIDER catheter removal/change after first dose of antibiotics
ALWAYS ENSURE ALL RELEVANT ACTIONS ARE DOCUMENTED!

URINARY CATHETERS (ADULT) ACTION CARD – UCA10As at 03.05.2016