CLABSI (Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infection)

The microorganism uses the person’s body to sustain itself, reproduce, and colonize. These infectious microscopic organisms are known as pathogens, and they can multiply quickly. A CLABSI is a serious infection that occurs in the blood stream due to catheter use. Central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) are a major cause of healthcare -associated morbidity and mortality. This type of infection is serious, but often can be successfully treated with antibiotics. CLABSI can be prevented by choosing a vein where the catheter can be safely inserted and where the risk for infection is small, proper hand washing, use of protective equipment like gloves and a sterile gown and careful cleaning of the area around the catheter. Every day, healthcare providers should assess whether the patient needs to have the catheter, and remove it as soon as it is no longer needed.