A Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) is a serious infection that occurs when germs such as bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream through a central line, which is a type of catheter placed in a large vein (often in the neck, chest, or groin) to provide medicine, nutrients, or fluids over an extended period.
Definition and Diagnosis
CLABSI is specifically defined as a laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in a patient who had a central line in place at the onset of infection or within the previous 48 hours, with no other identifiable source for the infection. Signs and symptoms may include fever, chills, and redness, soreness, or swelling around the insertion site, along with positive blood cultures.
Central Lines vs. Peripheral IVs
Central lines are different from short-term IVs in that they access major veins near the heart and may remain in place for weeks or months, making them more likely sources of severe infection compared to peripheral IVs.
Risks and Consequences
CLABSIs are among the most significant healthcare-associated infections, often resulting in increased hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and potentially life-threatening complications. They are associated with high morbidity and mortality, with thousands of cases reported annually.
Prevention
Most CLABSIs are preventable through strict aseptic techniques during insertion, careful maintenance, and the prompt removal of the central line when it is no longer necessary. Proper hand hygiene and adherence to infection-prevention protocols are critical.
CLABSIs remain a major focus for patient safety efforts in hospitals and are carefully tracked and reported to improve care quality.
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References:
CDC. (2025, June 12) Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Basics. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/clabsi/about/index.html
Haddadin, Y. et al., (2022, November 26) Central Line–Associated Blood Stream Infections. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430891/
CDPH. (2020, January 7) Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI). California Department of Public Health. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/HAI/Pages/CentralLine-associatedBloodstreamInfection(CLABSI).aspx
Alshahrani, K. et al., (2023, June 25) Clinical Impacts and Risk Factors for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection: A Systematic Review. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10368959/