There has been a lot of discussion lately about washing your catheter. In a pristine/sterile environment, you can have some tremendous success if you choose to wash your catheter. However, rarely do we have access to these environments. This reason is why our manufacturers and we at Triumph recommend against it.
Yes, you say we just want to sell you more catheters, right? Well, that is not technically the case. Our goal is to save you money. The dollar value of a hospitalization for a Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (C.A.U.T.I.) can range from $15,000 to $35,000, depending on the severity of the infection and the length of stay. We believe you can save yourself a large dollar amount on your out-of-pocket costs by not placing yourself in this environment. Also, as the generation of doers, a lengthy hospital stay may garner some flowers and cards, however, it will not allow you the freedom to live life golfing, gardening, or enjoying any other hobby you participate regularly in your life.
So remember your mother’s words growing up, wash your hands; but in the case of catheters, throw them away after every use.