Safe Toilet Disinfection After BCG Bladder Cancer Treatment

The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG ) treatment is one of the most effective treatments for early stage bladder cancer or to prevent cancer from growing back after a tumor has been removed. BCG is administered via catheter directly into the bladder, a form of treatment known as intravesical therapy. However, because BCG involves a live tuberculosis vaccine, patients must be especially vigilant about personal hygiene to avoid infection or cross contamination. Contracting tuberculosis as a result of BCG is rare, which means prevention works and that patient vigilance makes a difference.

Things You'll Need

• bleach
• paper towels

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Instructions

• 1

  Use the same toilet while undergoing BCG treatment in order to limit contamination of communal surfaces.

• 2

  Sit while urinating to ensure urine stays in the toilet.

• 3

  Pour bleach in the toilet roughly equal to the amount of urine (usually between 1 to 2 cups).

• 4

  Let water stand for 20 minutes and then flush.

• 5

  Wipe down the toilet seat and sink with a bleach solution made of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach (So 10 cups water would mean adding 1 cup bleach).

• 6

  Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom.

• 7

  Use disposable towels to dry hands after washing.

• 8

  Report any fever to your doctor as that could be a sign of tuberculosis or infection related to the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment (i.e. improperly sterilized equipment).