Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections(CLABSI)
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionA central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious infection. The infection happens in the bloodstream. It can affect those with a central line catheter. A central line catheter is a long tube inserted into a large vein. It is used to give medicine, nutrition, IV fluids, and chemotherapy.
A CLABSI can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is life-threatening condition. CausesA CLABSI is caused when bacteria gets on a central line catheter. From the catheter, they can get into the bloodstream. This can happen from bacteria that normally live on the skin. Risk FactorsThings that raise the risk of a CLABSI are:
SymptomsCLABSI may cause:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
Tests will confirm if there is bacteria. TreatmentThe goal is to clear the infection. This involves:
PreventionProper catheter care and cleaning can help reduce the risk of a CLABSI. RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov Society of Critical Care Medicine http://www.sccm.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Patient Safety Institute http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Catheter-related bloodstream infections. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/catheter-related-bloodstream-infection-crbsi. Accessed September 2, 2021. Central venous catheter. American Thoracic Society website. Available at:
https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/central-venous-catheter.pdf. Accessed September 2, 2021.
Central venous catheter. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/procedure/central-venous-catheter. Accessed September 2, 2021.
FAQs: Catheter-associated bloodstream infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hai/pdfs/bsi/BSI_tagged.pdf. Accessed September 2, 2021. Saugel B, Scheeren TWL, et al. Ultrasound-guided central venous catheter placement: a structured review and recommendations for clinical practice. Crit Care. 2017;21(1):225. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Nicole Meregian, PA Last Updated: 9/2/2021 |
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