How to Reuse Catheters

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By Robert Karr
eHow Contributing Writer

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Although catheters may be marked "single-use," according to a report in the Journal of Cardiologie (McGill University), even catheters used in hospitals for blood or heart procedures are reusable if properly sterilized. (See References 1). Urinary catheters, used at home by people who need to perform intermittent self-catheterization due to urinary strictures or other urinary or bladder problems, are reusable after sterilizing with one exception. According to a representative of a company that makes "hydrophilic" type catheters, which have a special external coating for low friction, this type cannot be sterilized and should never be reused. (See References 2)

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Resealable freezer bags
70 percent isopropyl alcohol
Covered storage container

Step 1

Use clean tap water to rinse the outside and the inside of the catheters for 30 seconds. Dry the catheters on a paper towel for an hour.
Step 2

Sterilize catheters by putting them in a container with isopropyl alcohol and cover for five minutes. After soaking, do not rinse off the alcohol. Store the catheters in a freezer bag. Rinse off the alcohol when you are ready to use each catheter again.
Step 3

Repeat the above steps if you do not use the catheters within seven days. Replace the alcohol supply once a month.

Tips & Warnings

One part household bleach mixed with four parts water or one part betadine antiseptic mixed with two parts water can substitute for the isopropyl alcohol to sterilize catheters.
The danger of urinary tract and bladder infections is always present when using urinary catheters. Follow careful sterilization procedures to minimize this danger.
Sterilization steps in this article apply only to urological catheters for home use. Coronary or other hospital-type catheters require more stringent sterilization methods.