If no-touch or closed catheter systems had a personality, they’d be the bubble boys (and girls) of the catheter world. These catheters are distinguishable by two factors: they’re typically covered in head to toe – or from tip to funnel – with plastic, and they’re very, very expensive, being reimbursed under a completely different reimbursement code (A4353) than the other catheters covered on this site (A4351). It can be hard to secure coverage for these catheters – in 2017, no-touch/closed catheter systems accounted for less than 10% of all catheters covered by Medicare! You get what you and your insurance pay for though, as these catheters have been demonstrated to reduce UTI incidence by 30% in clinical settings.
Both no-touch and closed catheter systems usually (but not always!) come with features like an introducer tip or an insertion sleeve, both of which help the catheter avoid germ-rich regions of your body like the urethral opening or even your hands, respectively. Studies have shown that features like this do help to reduce the amount of germs that are transferred to the catheter, which then transfers the germs to your bladder. Closed catheter systems, unlike no-touch catheters, usually come with an integrated urine bag that can collect your urine and be used to drain it later if you’re not near a toilet when you need to catheterize – which is also a reason why wheelchair users swear by them. It can be a real struggle to find an accessible restroom when you’re out and about.
Closed catheter systems that have been reviewed on this site include:
No-touch catheters that have been reviewed on this site include:
Check back for more!