What’s new in catheter-related infection: skin cleansing and skin antisepsis

Catheter-related infections (CRIs) are common, life-threatening healthcare-associated infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that the incidence of these infections can be decreased through discrete processes of care (Table 1). Because microorganisms from the skin at the site of catheter insertion are often the source of CRI, optimal skin preparation prior to short-term catheter placement is an example of such a discrete process.