Central line-associated bloodstream infections
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are serious infections that can result in longer hospital stays, increased costs and risk of death. They are among the deadliest types of health care-associated infections with a mortality rate of 12 to 25 percent. Experts estimate that the average cost of care for a patient with CLABSI is $45,000, representing approximately $2 billion in annual costs to the U.S. health care system.
MHA has developed a CLABSI road map outlining evidence-based recommendations and standards for the development of prevention and quality improvement programs that align process improvements with outcome data. Road maps reflect published literature and guidance from relevant professional organizations and regulatory agencies, as well as identified proven practices. MHA’s Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Committee provides expert guidance and oversight to all health care-associated infection road maps.
The CLABSI road map covers central line insertion, maintenance and monitoring, and is intended to be used in all patient care areas in acute care hospitals.