Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections

Definition

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) that occur when bacteria or viruses enter the bloodstream through a central venous catheter, a thin tube placed in a large vein to provide fluids, medications, or nutrition. These infections can be serious and potentially life-threatening if not properly prevented and managed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CLABSIs are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, leading to increased length of stay, healthcare costs, and risk of adverse outcomes.
2. The most common pathogens associated with CLABSIs are Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., Candida spp., and Gram-negative bacilli, such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
3. Proper insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters, as well as strict adherence to infection control practices, are crucial in preventing the development of CLABSIs.
4. Risk factors for CLABSIs include immunocompromised status, prolonged hospitalization, and the presence of other underlying medical conditions.
5. Effective prevention strategies for CLABSIs include hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier precautions during catheter insertion, and the use of chlorhexidine gluconate for skin antisepsis.

Review Questions

• Explain how central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are characterized as a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and how they relate to the characteristics of infectious disease.
  • CLABSIs are considered a type of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) because they are acquired by patients while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or long-term care setting. In the context of the characteristics of infectious disease, CLABSIs represent an infection that is transmitted through a specific mode of transmission, namely the introduction of pathogens into the bloodstream through the use of a central venous catheter. This mode of transmission, which involves a breach in the body's natural barriers, is a key characteristic that distinguishes CLABSIs from other types of infectious diseases that may be transmitted through different routes, such as respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.
• Describe the modes of disease transmission that are most relevant to the development of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and how these modes of transmission contribute to the risk of infection.
  • The modes of disease transmission that are most relevant to the development of CLABSIs are direct contact and indirect contact transmission. Direct contact transmission occurs when pathogens are transferred from the hands of healthcare workers or contaminated surfaces directly into the patient's bloodstream through the central venous catheter. Indirect contact transmission can occur when pathogens are transferred from contaminated equipment, such as catheters or tubing, to the patient's bloodstream. Additionally, the presence of a central venous catheter, which bypasses the body's natural barriers, provides a direct route for pathogens to enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection. Understanding these modes of transmission is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies, such as proper hand hygiene, aseptic techniques during catheter insertion, and regular catheter maintenance.
• Analyze the potential impact of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) on patient outcomes and the healthcare system, and explain how addressing these infections aligns with the broader goals of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings.
  • Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) can have a significant impact on patient outcomes and the healthcare system as a whole. CLABSIs are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as prolonged hospital stays and higher healthcare costs. Addressing CLABSIs is a critical component of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings, as it aligns with the broader goals of improving patient safety, reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections, and promoting the efficient use of healthcare resources. By implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, such as proper catheter insertion and maintenance, hand hygiene, and the use of antimicrobial interventions, healthcare facilities can effectively reduce the incidence of CLABSIs and contribute to better patient outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and a safer healthcare environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

Related terms

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): Infections that patients acquire while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or long-term care setting.

Central Venous Catheter: A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a large vein, typically in the neck, chest, or groin, to provide access for delivering fluids, medications, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Bacteremia:

The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can lead to serious infections if not properly treated.