Reducing the the number of unnecessary central lines done at your facility is the first step in avoiding central line associated bloodstream infections or CLABSIs. This can be done by improving IV insertion techniques through training and enforcement or standard operating procedures. Vein illumination has also been proven to reduce IV access escalations by 45% thereby reducing the need for additional sticks or escalation to a different type of access.
If a central line is required for a procedure, the use of alcohol-impregnated disinfectant caps has been shown to reduce the rate of central-line associated bloodstream infections and nosocomial bacteremia in a recent study.
Please visit this INS page for more information regarding this study.
Source: Infusion Nurses Society
