Indwelling Urinary Catheter Use in the Last 7 Days
Records whether an indwelling urinary catheter was used during the past 7 days, which may help assess the risk of catheter-associated infection.
A recent catheter may increase the risk of urinary tract infection, but this finding alone does not prove that an infection is present.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54762-0
- Short code
- INDWELLINGCATHETERUSEDINLAST7D
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mdsv
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a clinical history item that records whether an indwelling urinary catheter was used during the previous 7 days. It generally involves answering a question or reviewing the medical record rather than testing a blood or urine sample.
Why might I need this test?
Your care team may use this information when evaluating a suspected urinary tract infection, especially if urine cultures are collected while a catheter is present. It can also help identify whether a catheter may have contributed to an infection.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional asks about or reviews documentation of your catheter use. No laboratory specimen or special measurement is required for this item itself.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is needed. Be ready to say whether you had an indwelling urinary catheter and, if known, when it was inserted and removed. If you are unsure, ask the care team to confirm it using your medical record.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Reporting recent indwelling catheter use indicates increased exposure to a potential source of urinary tract infection. However, this finding does not by itself diagnose an infection or show that the catheter caused it. The result should be interpreted with symptoms, examination findings, and urine culture results.
Short name
Recent indwelling urinary catheter use
Frequently asked questions
Does having an indwelling catheter mean I have a urinary tract infection?
What if I cannot remember whether I had a catheter?
Does this result have a normal or abnormal range?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy