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Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Basics

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Key points

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  • Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) occur when germs enter the bloodstream through a central line.
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  • CLABSIs are preventable.
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Overview

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Importance

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Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in added costs to the U.S. healthcare system \u2013 but they are preventable.

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Central lines

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A central line (also known as a central venous catheter) is a catheter (tube) that healthcare providers often place in a large vein in the neck, chest or groin.

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Central lines are different from peripheral IVs (shorter IVs placed in the hand, arm or foot for vein access); central lines access a major vein close to the heart, can remain in place for weeks or months, and are much more likely to be a source of serious infection.

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Central lines are commonly used in intensive care units.

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Purpose of central lines

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  • Give medicines for treatment of pain, infection or other medical issues (e.g., cancer or heart problems).
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  • Provide fluids or nutrition.
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  • Help conduct certain medical tests.
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Types

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Types of central lines

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  • Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Placed into a vein in the arm.
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  • Tunneled catheter. Passed under the skin and placed into a vein in the chest or neck. Providers can insert medicine right into the catheter.
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  • Implanted port. Surgically placed under the skin. Providers insert medicines using a needle placed through the skin into the catheter. An implanted port is not as visible as a tunneled catheter, does not require as much daily care, and does not get in the way of a patient's regular activities as much as a PICC line or a tunneled catheter might.
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Healthcare providers use the type that is best for each patient's care.

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Signs and symptoms

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People with CLABSIs may experience:

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  • Fever
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  • Red skin and soreness around the central line
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Causes

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CLABSIs occur when germs (usually bacteria or fungi) enter the bloodstream through the central line.

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Prevention

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Healthcare providers

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Healthcare providers should follow recommended infection control guidelines to reduce the risk of CLABSIs.

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Patients

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  • Speak up. Talk to your healthcare providers about any questions or worries. Ask what they're doing to protect you.
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  • Ask a healthcare provider about your options and the pros and cons of a central line, if one is needed. If so, ask them to help you understand the need for it and how long it will be in place.
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  • Avoid touching the tubing and where it exits the skin as much as possible.
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\n Keep Reading \n Tips for Being a Safe Patient \n
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What CDC is doing

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Resources

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Strategies and tools

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Infection control guidelines

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\n Sources \n Print \n Share \n
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\n Facebook \n LinkedIn \n Twitter \n Syndicate \n
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\n National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) \n
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Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/bsi/CLABSI-resources.html
Source Agency: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Captured Date: 2016-05-23 21:55:38.0
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