Prevention of Central Venous Catheter-related Infections

The central venous catheter is a valuable tool in inpatientmedicine. However, with its use comes the risk of localand systemic infections. Kluger et al estimated that250,000 cases of central line-associated blood streaminfections occur annually. Mortality rates range from 12-25% per infection.1 Therefore, it is essential that healthcare providers take all necessary precautionary measuresto avoid infection. Guidelines have been published by theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention to providean evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach foravoiding central venous catheter-related infections.Recommendations include proper skin cleansing, the useof maximal sterile barriers, selection of the subclavian site,avoiding routine replacement of central venous catheters,and using antiseptic/antibiotic impregnated catheters