Instillation of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide or Distilled Vinegar in Urethral Catheter Drainage Bag to Decrease Catheter-Associated Bacteriuria

Abstract

Patients with indwelling catheters acquire urinary tract infections at a rate of5% per day. After 30 days of catheterization, there is a 78% to 95% incidence of bacteriuria, despite the use of meticulous catheter care. Research studies on reducing the development of bacteriuria have focused on the propagation of bacteria within the catheter drainage bag. This research proposal sought to determine the effects of instillation of 3% hydrogen peroxide versus distilled vinegar in urethral catheter drainage bags to decrease bacteriuria in 20 long-termcatheterized patients. Baseline urine cultures for control and test mediums showed no significant difference in rates of bacteriuria. However, urine cultures obtained at the 48-hour interval showed significant reduction in bacteriuria in urinary bags irrigated with vinegar. The implications this study has for nursing practice include a need for further research using a larger number of subjects and a need for improvements in the design of the catheter drainage system.