Standardizing Central Venous Catheter Lab Collection Process to Reduce Risk of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control CDC, an estimated 30,100 central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) occur in acute care facilities each year. The Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals recommends implementing proven guidelines to prevent CLABSI. In a major cancer center, with an average of 60 to 80 surgical procedures performed daily, the risk of CLABSI is significant considering the immunocompromised patient population. Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses committed to infection control developed a standardized process for collecting lab samples from the Central Venous Catheter (CVC).