In this section
Note: This guideline is currently under review.
Definition of Terms
Clean Intermittent Catheterisation (CIC) is a method of draining urine via a catheter inserted into the urethra, past the sphincter into the bladder. Once the urine is drained the catheter is removed. CIC is vital in reducing bladder pressure or draining residual urine, and therefore preserving kidney health. Correctly
performed, CIC can also reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and promote continence.
This guideline does not refer to children and adolescents with an acute short term requirement for bladder emptying such as post-operative urinary retention, or need for an indwelling urinary catheter. Please refer to the Indewelling Urinary Catheter
This guideline does not refer to the child or adolescent using CIC through a stoma such as a Mitrofanoff.
This guideline applies to infants, children and adolescents who require ongoing CIC due to:
Patient and family assessment should include:
Below is an approximate guide for catheter size:
Assess the preferred positioning before commencing catheterisation.
All children who require long term catheterisation should be considered for education in CISC. Readiness to learn CISC should take into account:
Click here for the Evidence Table for this guideline.
Please remember to read the
The development of this nursing guideline was coordinated by Jenny O'Neill, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Developmental Disabilities, and approved by the Nursing Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Updated September 2015.