9+ Tips & Steps For Prevent CLABSI

In order to avoid thousands of deaths annually, CDC has provided guidelines and tools that the healthcare community can use in their fight against central line associated bloodstream infections. Resources include a list of signs that your infection is worsening or if you have an active blood stream infection as well as resources such as videos on best practices when inserting lines into patients' veins.

What is a central line?

A central line (also known as a central venous catheter) is typically used for much longer periods of time than an IV. This tube can either give medication or collect blood samples, depending on the reason it was inserted in the first place.
A central line is different from an IV because it accesses a major vein that is close to the heart and can remain in place for weeks or months. It's much more likely than an IV to cause serious infection, so they're commonly used only in intensive care units.

What is a central line-associated bloodstream infection?

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious type of blood stream infections that occur when bacteria or viruses enter the body through an inserted central venous catheter. To avoid this, healthcare providers must follow strict protocols to make sure they keep their instruments sterile and not get infected with CLABSI themselves.

In addition to inserting the central line properly, healthcare providers must use stringent infection control practices each time they check the line or change a dressing. Patients who get an CLABSI are likely have fever and soreness around their central lines with red skin along this area if there is indeed an infection present. Healthcare professionals can perform tests to find out for sure whether one exists at all - but these need be done quickly in order not prevent further complications from arising which could prove fatal!

What are some of the things that healthcare providers are doing to prevent CLABSI?

Healthcare providers can take the following steps to help prevent CLABSIs:
To prevent infection, follow the recommended central line insertion practices. These include：

Ensure that the skin prep agent has completely dried before inserting a central line. Use all five maximal sterile barrier precautions, including hand hygiene and applying appropriate skin antiseptic. You should wear a cap, mask, gown and gloves before entering the room where you will be performing this procedure.

Once the central line is in place, make sure you follow recommended procedures like washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based handrub before touching it.

To minimize the risk of infection, remove a central line as soon as it is no longer needed.

What can patients do to help prevent CLABSI?

Here are some ways patients can protect themselves from CLABSI:

●Researching the hospital will allow you to learn about its CLABSI rate.
●Speak up about any concerns so that healthcare personnel are reminded to follow the best practices for infection prevention.
●Asking a healthcare provider if the central line is absolutely necessary and how long it will be in place may help you to understand why.
●Pay attention to the bandage and area around it. If either is wet or dirty, tell a healthcare worker right away.
●Don’t get the catheter or insertion site wet.
●The patient should tell a healthcare worker if the area around their catheter is sore or red, or they have any fevers.
●Be sure to keep visitors away from the catheter or tubing.
●The patient should try to avoid touching the tubing as much as possible.
●In addition, everyone visiting the patient must wash their hands before and after they visit.

Note:

CLABSI:Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections