An intermittent catheter kit is highly recommended when inserting an intermittent catheter because it contains all of the necessary sterilized supplies in a convenient package. Catheter insertion trays typically include an intermittent catheter, underpad, gloves, and antiseptic wipes. These supplies allow for the most sanitary catheter insertion and greatly reduce your risk of contracting a UTI.
An underpad gives you a clean surface to set all of your catheter supplies on. It prevents them from directly touching countertops or areas in public restrooms. Gloves should be worn during the entire cathing process, as our hands tend to carry bacteria that can cause infection. Catheter trays also include products like a BZK wipe or PVI swabsticks. These are used to sanitize the genital area before inserting an intermittent catheter. BZK towelettes are pre-saturated with benzalkonium chloride and PVI swabsticks contain povidone iodine. Both of these ingredients are antimicrobial solutions that disinfect the skin.