Zero Tolerance for Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: The Unnegotiable Objective

Abstract

Many things are negotiable in life, but not life itself. Like many other healthcare-associated infections, catheter-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) are preventable life-threatening infections that often develop in seriously ill hospitalized patients. The central venous catheter (CVC) has become the lifeline for many critically ill patients, as well as chronically ill patients who have cancer or are undergoing hemodialysis. However, these same intravascular devices have also become the source of serious BSIs associated with high morbidity and mortality. 1 The prospective study by Lee et al. 2 published in this issue of the journal supports previous data in demonstrating the roles played by the use of maximal sterile barrier precautions and antimicrobial-coated catheters in reducing the risk of catheter-related BSI. In their study, the use of these 2 interventions had an independent and significant association with a decrease in the risk of catheter infection of more than fivefold, demonstrating that these 2 interventions could complement one another in aiding healthcare professionals at achieving this unnegotiable end point of zero incidence for catheter-related BSI. Like any other prospective study, the study of Lee et al. 2