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CLABSI Prevention

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Learning Objectives

  • Routes of CVC infection
  • Sites for CVC insertion
  • Antimicrobial lock solutions

Course Description

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used for the administration of intravenous fluids, blood products, medications, and parenteral nutrition, and they provide access for hemodialysis and other forms of long-term treatment, such as chemotherapy.

Widespread and essential, CVCs are also the most frequent cause of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections. Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are often preventable, and rates can be reduced, if not eliminated, by adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

This course reviews best practices, including relatively simple interventions such as sterile technique, disinfection, and (most critically!) hand hygiene, as well as more sophisticated interventions, such as the use of antimicrobial lock solutions and line materials.

Accreditation Statement:
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medical Education Resources (MER) and Amplifire. MER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Nursing Credit:
Medical Education Resources designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 ANCC nursing contact hours. Nurses will be awarded contact hours upon successful completion of the activity.

Did You Know...

  • It is estimated that 250,000 cases of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) occur in the United States every year
  • The CDC estimates that CLABSIs are associated with a mortality rate of 12–25%
  • Each CLABSI episode is estimated to cost between $3,700 and $39,000, which includes the burdens of additional diagnosis and treatment, and prolonged hospital stays

Course at a Glance

target audience icon Target Learners:

Nurses

time to complete icon Average Completion Time:

30 Minutes

contributor icon Co-development Partner(s):

Intermountain Healthcare

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