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My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Inside the bladder
  • Anatomy and physiology of the bladder
    • Anatomy of the bladder
    • Physiology of the bladder
  • Medical procedures for a SCI bladder
    • Urodynamic study
    • Cystoscopy
    • Sphincterotomy
    • Cystolitholapaxy
    • Bladder augmentation
    • Urethral dilatation
  • Medications and other products you may be prescribed
    • Alpha blockers
    • Anticholinergics
    • Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX)
    • Hiprex and vitamin C
    • Cranberry
    • E. Coli
  • Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    • Urine specimen
    • Fluid balance diary
    • Renal ultrasound
    • CT- Kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)

    Urine specimen

    When you have symptoms of a UTI it will be important for your doctor to be able to identify the type of bacteria that is causing the problem. To do this, you need to collect a clean sample of urine. A clean sample means a sample that is free from contamination by bacteria that may be in the environment outside your bladder.

    How to collect a clean specimen

    • Wash or disinfect your hands
    • Open the specimen container.

    For intermittent catheters

    • Perform a catheter as normal and collect approximately 30 mL of urine in the specimen container
    • Be sure not to touch the inside of the specimen container.

    For IDC/SPC

    • If possible, change your catheter and immediately collect urine from the newly inserted catheter
    • Collect approximately 30mL of urine
    • If it is not possible to change your catheter then you’ll need to collect a specimen from the current catheter. Do not take a sample from a drainage bag unless the bag is a brand new one.

    Common medical tests for a SCI bladder
    Fluid balance diary

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    Quick links

    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
    • Life hacks
    • Inside the bladder
    • Equipment

    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

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    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
    WorkSafe

    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

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