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Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)

At Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System we care deeply about the well being of our patients and their families.

A central line is a catheter (tube) that doctors often place in a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin to give medication or fluids or to collect blood for medical tests. 

You may be familiar with intravenous catheters (also known as IVs) that are used frequently to give medicine or fluids into a vein near the skin’s surface, usually on the arm or hand, for short periods of time. Central lines are different from IVs because central lines access a major vein that is close to the heart and can remain in place for weeks or months and be much more likely to cause serious infection. Central lines are commonly used in intensive care units.

A central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious infection that occurs when germs (usually bacteria or viruses) enter the bloodstream through the central line. Healthcare providers must follow a strict protocol when inserting the line to make sure the line remains sterile and a CLABSI does not occur. In addition to inserting the central line properly, healthcare providers must use stringent infection control practices each time they check the line or change the dressing. Patients who get a CLABSI have a fever, and might also have red skin and soreness around the central line. If this happens, healthcare providers can do tests to learn if there is an infection present.

How does HRMC compare to state and national levels for CLABSI?

Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR)

The Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) is a statistic used to track healthcare associated infections (HAIs) over time, at a national, state, and facility level. The SIR compares the actual number of HAIs at each hospital, to the predicted number of infections.

  • If the SIR is equal to 1 then the number of actual infections is the same as the number predicted
  • If the SIR is less than 1 then the number of actual infections is less than the number predicted
  • If the SIR is greater than 1 then the number of actual infections is greater than the number predicted

What are we doing to improve?

We follow the recommended central line insertion best practices to prevent infection when the central line is placed, which includes:

  • Performing hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based handrub before and after touching the line
  • Applying appropriate skin antiseptic
  • Ensuring that the skin prep agent has completely dried before inserting the central line
  • Remove a central line as soon as it is no longer needed. The sooner a catheter is removed, the less likely the chance of infection.

What can patients do to help prevent CLABSI?

  • Speak up about any concerns so that healthcare personnel are reminded to follow the best infection prevention practices.
  • Ask a healthcare provider if the central line is absolutely necessary. If so, ask them to help you understand the need for it and how long it will be in place.
  • Pay attention to the bandage and the area around it.
  • If the bandage comes off or if the bandage or area around it is wet or dirty, tell a healthcare worker right away.
  • Don’t get the central line or the central line insertion site wet.
  • Tell a healthcare worker if the area around the catheter is sore or red or if the patient has a fever or chills.
  • Do not let any visitors touch the catheter or tubing.
  • The patient should avoid touching the tubing as much as possible.
  • In addition, everyone visiting the patient must wash their hands—before and after they visit.
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