Before and after surgery, patients are commonly outfitted with urinary catheters. By applying a chemical coating that changes the color of urine when pathogenic bacteria are detected, a team from the University of Bath has demonstrated the ability to anticipate infection complications up to 12 hours in advance of symptoms.
“Catheter infections are such a common problem that currently anyone using a catheter for more than seven days is given a course of antibiotics to prevent infection,” Toby Jenkins, PhD, research lead, said in a statement. “The coating we’ve developed will give a 12 hour warning before an infection causes a blockage, meaning that only patients with an infection need to be treated with antibiotics.”
The researchers plan to develop the prototype further in partnership with a medical device firm.
More articles on infection control:
An environmental science response to eliminate hospital acquired infections
Researchers identify protein UTI bacteria use to stay put
UTI intervention remains successful for 8 years, study finds
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.