The Urethra Gauge is a medical invention used by nurses. The center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH) Set Nation-wide goals in a publication called, "Healthy People 2010" a major goal of the publication was to significantly reduce Healthcare Acquired Infections the overwhelming majority of these infections 40% come from catheter associated urinary tract infections.
The Urethra Gauge is a measurement device that is inserted into the distal most end of the urethra, the cylindrical measurement device advances until a point of resistance. At the point of resistance where the urethra gauge is co-extensive with the urethra is the urethral circumference and thus the appropriate size indwelling urinary catheter/"foley catheter" to place for that individual at that given time. By using the urethra gauge prior to insertion of indwelling urinary catheter (urinary catheterization), a catheter associated urinary tract infection can be avoided from inserting a catheter that is too small for the patient. Also urethral trauma can be avoided by placing a catheter that is more appropriatly sized avoiding a potential complication known as a urethral stricture "scarring of the urethra".
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