Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI)
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in thousands of deaths each year and billions of dollars in added costs to the U.S. healthcare system, yet these infections are preventable. CDC is providing guidelines and tools to the healthcare community to help end CLABSIs.
Resources for Patients and Healthcare Providers
- Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections: Resources for Patients and Healthcare Providers
- Frequently Asked Questions about Catheters
- October 2008 Supplement of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (Volume 29, Number S1)
FAQ's about Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infections 
8.5" by 11" flyer is available in the following formats:
- FAQs about Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infections [PDF - 208 KB]
- FAQs about Catheter-associated Bloodstream Infections - Black and White format [PDF - 129 KB]
- Download FAQs about Catheter-associated BSI Larger text PDF for printing [PDF - 210 KB]
- En español: Preguntas frecuentes infecciones sanguíneas asociadas al catéter intravenoso" [PDF - 217 KB]
Prevention
CDC, in collaboration with other organizations, has developed guidelines for the prevention of CLABSI and other types of healthcare-associated infections. Facilities can monitor the rates of CLABSI and assess the effectiveness of prevention efforts through CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).
- Checklist for Prevention of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections [PDF - 177 KB]
- O'Grady NP, Alexander M, Dellinger EP, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. 2011
- Muto C, Herbert C, Harrison E, et al. Reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) among patients in intensive care units MMWR 2005;54(40):1013–6.
- Kallen A, Patel P. Healthcare associated infections (HAI): central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) settings toolkit activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives. [PDF - 508 KB]
CLABSI in non-ICU Settings [PPT - 751 KB] available in PowerPoint format
Activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives
-
Watch this Podcast: On the CUSP: Stop BSI
In this video, Denise Cardo of CDC discusses the involvement and support of CDC with the STOP BSI project, improving patient safety, and how this collaborative work can eliminate bloodstream infections nationwide.
Toolkits
- Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in Non-Intensive Care Unit (non-ICU) Settings Toolkit [PDF - 508 KB]
CLABSI in non-ICU Settings [PPT - 751 KB] available in PowerPoint format
Activity C: ELC Prevention Collaboratives - CLABSI Baseline Prevention Practices Assessment Tool For States Establishing HAI Prevention Collaboratives [PDF - 229 KB]
- Checklist for Prevention of Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections [PDF - 177 KB]
Prevention Resources for State Health Departments
- Collaboration Primer: Establishing HAI Prevention Collaboratives
Collaboration Primer [PPT - 920 KB] available in PowerPoint format.
Monitoring CLABSIs
CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network Patient Safety Component includes surveillance methods to identify and track device-associated infections, such as central-line associated bloodstream infections.
Get email updates
To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
