Comprehensive Approach to Prevention of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection

Central lines are indispensable in hospital care. The main complication resulting from their use is central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). CLABSI is one of the most frequent healthcare-associated infections associated with high costs, morbidity, and potential lethality. Recent studies on CLABSI prevention show that a multifaceted approach to improving central line insertion and maintenance practices results in decreased CLABSI rates. The question today, then, is not ‘what to do,’ but ‘how to do it.’