Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI)

Summary

CLABSI is an infection that occurs when germs enter the bloodstream through a central line-a tube that is placed in a large vein in the neck, chest, or arm to give fluids, blood, or medications or to perform certain medical tests quickly. The CDC estimates that 41,000 CLABSIs occurred among hospitalized patients in 2009, resulting in death for about 12 to 25 percent of affected patients.

Goal: The Partnership for Patients estimates that 50 percent of CLABSIs are preventable. The goal set for hospitals is to reduce preventable CLABSIs by 50 percent by 2013, preventing 17,500 CLABSIs.

HRET, through a contract with AHRQ, and in partnership with the Johns Hopkins University Quality and Safety Research Group and the Keystone Center for Patient Safety and Quality of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association are implementing the Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program and interventions to prevent CLABSI.