Clean Intermittent Catheterisation
Also written as: CIC
A bladder management technique in which a catheter is inserted into the urethra at regular intervals to drain urine, performed under clean (non-sterile) rather than sterile conditions.
Full Definition
Clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC) is the standard bladder management method for patients with neurogenic bladder secondary to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions affecting voiding. Unlike sterile catheterisation, CIC uses a clean technique that can be self-administered by the patient or performed by a carer. It is documented in SCI rehabilitation plans, urology consultation notes, and home nursing instructions. Editors should note both the British spelling 'catheterisation' and the American form 'catheterization', applying the appropriate variant per house style consistently. The abbreviation CIC is standard; 'CIC' should not be confused with 'clean intermittent catheter' (also CIC, referring to the device).
Usage
Usage note: Apply house style for -isation vs. -ization consistently. On first use, write out in full followed by '(CIC)'. Do not abbreviate to 'intermittent cath' in formal documents.
In Context
- "Clean intermittent catheterisation was initiated four times daily to manage the patient's areflexic neurogenic bladder following T6 SCI." — Spinal cord injury rehabilitation protocol
- "The patient was educated on clean intermittent catheterisation technique, including hand hygiene and catheter care, prior to discharge." — Patient education documentation