The Journal of hospital infection
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Epidural analgesia is used as a method of pain relief throughout the UK. It is used short-term in obstetric practice, following surgery and after trauma, and also longer-term for malignancy and chronic pain. ⋯ To minimize infection risk, epidural catheters should be inserted using an aseptic technique and subsequently checked at least daily, looking for evidence of superficial and deep infection. There should be a dedicated pain team to ensure that education of staff occurs and to carry out regular audits of the service.