Irrisept to reduce urinary tract infections when a urethral catheter is removed
Official title: To Determine the Efficacy of Irrisept in Reducing Urinary Tract Infection During Urethral Catheter Removal.
Run by Ohio State University · NCT07239219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether rinsing the bladder with Irrisept (0.05% chlorhexidine) instead of saline at the time of catheter removal reduces UTIs in adults having their urethral catheter removed.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07239219 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (age 18+) who present to the participating urology clinic for urethral catheter removal, can consent, are willing to complete a follow-up survey, and are not on antibiotics, pregnant, breastfeeding, or showing signs of current infection.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients already on antibiotic therapy, with active systemic or skin infection, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, undergoing catheter exchange, or allergic to chlorhexidine are unlikely to receive benefit or be eligible for this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults presenting to a urology clinic for urethral catheter removal will be assigned to receive bladder irrigation with either 0.05% chlorhexidine (Irrisept) or normal saline at the time of catheter removal. Participants will be followed with a post-removal survey and clinical monitoring for signs and laboratory-confirmed urinary tract infection over a defined follow-up period. Key exclusion criteria include current antibiotic therapy, active infection, pregnancy or breastfeeding, allergy to chlorhexidine, and catheter exchange procedures. The study compares infection rates and downstream antibiotic use between the two irrigation approaches to determine if the antiseptic irrigation reduces post-catheter UTIs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower post-catheter UTI rates, reduce antibiotic use, and simplify catheter-removal protocols to improve patient outcomes and lower costs.
How similar studies have gone: Antiseptic bladder or catheter-care approaches have had mixed results in prior work, so this specific use of 0.05% chlorhexidine irrigation is relatively novel and has limited clinical precedent.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Presenting to the urology clinic for catheter removal 2. Must be 18 years or older. 3. The patient must be able to understand and willing to provide informed consent as described in this study protocol. 4. Must be willing to complete a post-catheter removal survey Exclusion Criteria: 1. Allergy or adverse reaction to chlorohexidine gluconate 2. Under the age of 18 3. Refuse to provide informed consent 4. On antibiotic therapy for any indication. 5. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding 6. Signs of skin or systemic infection 7. Patients undergoing catheter exchange
Where it's running
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The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.