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APIC updates guidance for CLABSI prevention
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The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, or APIC, released updated guidelines to assist health care facilities in preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections, according to a press release.
More than 30,000 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are reported annually in the United States, and 25% of patients who develop the infection will die, according to the CDC. Research suggests that most CLABSIs are preventable, the release said. Prevention remains a challenge, however, for infection prevention teams and stakeholders involved in prevention activities.
In response, APIC released a comprehensive update to the “Guide to Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections,” which outlines practices essential for CLABSI prevention and provides information that supplements existing guidelines. The guide offers basic preventive steps, including the epidemiology and pathogenesis of CLABSIs, surveillance, adherence to the central line bundle, and infection prevention during catheter maintenance and long-term device use.
“CLABSIs are associated with the highest number of preventable deaths compared with other health care-associated infections,” Linda Goss, MSN, APRN, NP-C, an editor for the guide, said in the release. “Therefore, it is imperative for health care facilities to adopt best practices to prevent these infections, making this practical, hands-on implementation guide the perfect tool.”
Free access to the guide was made possible by an unrestricted education grant from BD.
For more information: Guide to Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections
Disclosures: Goss reports no relevant financial disclosures.