Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI)

Learn vital information about healthcare-associated infections.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in added costs to the U.S. healthcare system, yet these infections are preventable. CDC is providing guidelines and tools to the healthcare community to help end CLABSIs.

Resources for Patients and Healthcare Providers

• Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections: Resources for Patients and Healthcare Providers
• Frequently Asked Questions about Catheters
• Strategies to Prevent Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Update

Prevention

CDC, in collaboration with other organizations, has developed guidelines for the prevention of CLABSI and other types of healthcare-associated infections. Facilities can monitor the rates of CLABSI and assess the effectiveness of prevention efforts through CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

• Checklist for Prevention of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections [PDF – 177 KB]
• O’Grady NP, Alexander M, Dellinger EP, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. 2011
• Muto C, Herbert C, Harrison E, et al. Reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) among patients in intensive care units MMWR 2005;54(40):1013–6.
• Kallen A, Patel P. Healthcare associated infections (HAI): central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) settings toolkit activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives. [PDF – 508 KB]
  CLABSI in non-ICU Settings [PPT – 751 KB] available in PowerPoint format
  Activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives

Monitoring CLABSIs

CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network Patient Safety Component includes surveillance methods to identify and track device-associated infections, such as central-line associated bloodstream infections.