Definition
A catheter-associated urinary tract infection occurs in a person with a urinary catheter in place or recently removed under surveillance definitions. Risk rises with unnecessary or prolonged catheter use. Prevention includes using a catheter only for an appropriate indication, aseptic insertion and maintenance, and removal as soon as it is no longer needed; a universal 24-hour removal rule does not apply to every operation or patient. [1][2]
Aliases
catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Updated
Sources
- Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection Basics (CDC)Official public sourceAccessed 2026-05-25
- CAUTI Prevention Guideline (CDC)Official public sourceAccessed 2026-05-25
Informational only. Not medical advice.