A Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is serious, but of ten can be successfully treated with antibiotics. The central line (i.e., catheter) might need to be removed if a patient develops an infection. Below is a summary of steps to follow to help prevent CLABSIs from occuring.

What do hospitals advise nurses and doctors to do to prevent CLABSI?

• Choose a vein where the catheter can be safely inserted and where the risk for infection is small.
  
  
• Clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before putting in the catheter.
  
  
• Wear a mask, cap, sterile gown, and sterile gloves when putting in the catheter to keep it sterile. The patient will be covered with a sterile sheet.
  
  
• Clean the patient’s skin with an antiseptic cleanser before putting in the catheter.
  
  
• Clean their hands, wear gloves, and clean the catheter opening with an antiseptic solution before using the catheter to draw blood or give medications.
  
  
• Clean their hands and wear gloves when changing the bandage that covers the area where the catheter enters the skin.
  
  
• Decide every day if the patient still needs to have the catheter. The catheter will be removed as soon as it is no longer needed¹.

What can I do to help prevent a CLABSI?

• Ask your doctors and nurses to explain why you need the catheter and how long you will have it.
  
  
• Ask your doctors and nurses if they will be using all of the prevention methods discussed above.
  
  
• Make sure that all those caring for you clean their hands with soap and water or an alcoholbased hand rub before and after caring for you.
  
  
• Tell your nurse or doctor immediately if the bandage comes off or becomes wet or dirty.
  
  
• Inform your nurse or doctor if the area around your catheter is sore or red.
  
  
• Do not let visitors touch the catheter or the tubing.
  
  
• Make sure family and friends clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after visiting you.

Remember: If you do not see your providers clean their hands, please ask them to do so¹.

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, APIC, Joint Commission, IDSA, AHA, SHEA, FAQ Sheet about “Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections” http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/guidelines/BSI_tagged.pdf.

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