Prevention of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections

This review outlines the clinical, epidemiological, and public policy aspects of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). It underscores their substantial impact on patient outcomes, including increased hospital stays, costs, and mortality and traces the dramatic reduction in CLABSI rates following implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies over the past two decades. These strategies include checklists, sterile insertion techniques, chlorhexidine antisepsis, antiseptic dressings and caps, and antibiotic-impregnated catheters. The review also discusses the influence of shifting surveillance definitions and public reporting policies on CLABSI data interpretation. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted CLABSI prevention protocols, resulting in a marked spike in infection rates. The author advocates for resilient, technology-driven infection prevention systems that don’t overly rely on healthcare staff to maintain efficacy under strain.

This review outlines the clinical, epidemiological, and public policy aspects of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). It underscores their substantial impact on patient outcomes, including increased hospital stays, costs, and mortality and traces the dramatic reduction in CLABSI rates following implementation of evidence-based prevention strategies over the past two decades. These strategies include checklists, sterile insertion techniques, chlorhexidine antisepsis, antiseptic dressings and caps, and antibiotic-impregnated catheters. The review also discusses the influence of shifting surveillance definitions and public reporting policies on CLABSI data interpretation. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted CLABSI prevention protocols, resulting in a marked spike in infection rates. The author advocates for resilient, technology-driven infection prevention systems that don’t overly rely on healthcare staff to maintain efficacy under strain.