It has been well documented that solutions for storage and rinsing of tracheotomy suction catheters may serve as culture media for pathogenic bacteria, particularly strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It has been demonstrated that these solutions may be the source of bacteria responsible for clinically significant tracheobronchial infections. The sue of unsterile technique in tracheotomy care is probably an important factor in tracheobronchial infection. A method is described which reduces these sources of contamination by utilizing an aseptic technique and eliminating the use of rinse and storage solutions for the catheter. This method is simple, well accepted by personnel, and only moderately expensive.