Universal Precautions in Preventing Central Venous Catheter Associated Blood Stream Infections. A Study at Tertiary Care Hospital of ‘Central Line Bundles’ in MICU

Central venous catheter insertion is a necessity while dealing with patients in MICU due to associated comorbid conditions. But following sterile barrier precautions while inserting and handling central line catheters is much more important as infectious complications take an upper hand if these “central line bundles” are not followed with great care. A prospective study was carried in a tertiary care hospital. The central line bundles while inserting the catheter with site and type was studied. Fifty (50) patients developed Catheter related local infection (CRLI) and seven (6) patients developed Central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI). Female preponderance was seen in both local (52%) and systemic (67%) catheter infection. 96.4% of total patients had insertion at jugular site. Single lumen catheter was most commonly used (98%). Decreased use of central line bundles like hand hygiene, cap and mask significantly (p< 0.5) was noted. Central line bundles which includes insertion bundles and aftercare bundles plays a vital role in determining the infectious complications in MICU patients. E very attempt should be made to use barrier precautions to prevent further complications associated with central line because if not followed morbidity and mortality in the patients increases.