Intermittent Catheterization Use — Past 7 Days
A yes-or-no history question that records whether you used an intermittent urinary catheter during the previous 7 days.
["This question helps clinicians interpret your symptoms and test results in light of recent urinary catheter use."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54765-3
- Short code
- INTERMITTENTCATHETERIZATIONUSEDINLAST7D
- 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 or survey question, not a blood or urine laboratory measurement. It asks whether you used an intermittent urinary catheter at any time during the previous 7 days.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may ask this question when evaluating urinary symptoms, monitoring bladder emptying, or interpreting results from a urine sample. Catheter use can sometimes affect urine findings or the likelihood of obtaining a sample without spontaneous urination.
How is the test performed?
You or a healthcare professional answer whether an intermittent catheter was used and confirm when it was last used. The answer is entered into your medical record as a yes-or-no history item.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is needed. Think back to the previous 7 days and be ready to report whether a urinary catheter was inserted to drain your bladder, even if you used it only once.
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.
A positive answer means an intermittent catheter was used within the past 7 days. This information may help explain urinary symptoms or certain urine-test findings, including findings related to inflammation, blood, or microorganisms. It does not by itself indicate that a complication is present.
Short name
Recent Intermittent Catheterization
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure catheter function?
What if I am not sure whether a catheter was used?
Why does catheter use matter for urine testing?
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