title: Hygiene for invasive procedures.
abstract: This article highlights the importance of best practice in insertion of invasive devices, such as urinary catheters, in a way that minimises the risk of infection. One of the main risks is the length of time the catheter remains in place. All wards should have clear documentation of when the catheter was inserted and evidence of daily reviews about its continued use. Other important factors are: ■ Hand hygiene when inserting and managing catheters. ■ Ensuring meatal (urethral opening) hygiene is performed daily. ■ Preventing backflow of urine into the bladder by keeping the drainage bag lower than the bladder. ■ Avoiding unnecessary emptying of the drainage bag and, when emptying is clinically indicated, using a clean disposable container for each patient.