ABSTRACT
A central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a surveillance definition: the presence of a primary bloodstream infection without any other obvious source in a patient who has or had a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) 48 h prior to the positive blood cultures. This chapter outlines the recommendations regarding the prevention of CVC infections. It highlights the CLABSI is a term used for surveillance, alterable by interventions that do not change the actual infection rate. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that intensive care unit central line infections decreased by 58% from 2001 to 2009 resulting in about 6000 saved lives and an estimated savings of $414 million in excess health care costs for 2009. A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) also found that the use of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings significantly reduced the incidence of catheter colonization and CRBSIs.
