The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released updated guidelines for preventing catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CABSI). These guidelines expand prevention efforts beyond central lines to include all vascular access devices used in healthcare settings.
The implementation guidelines represent the first major update in a decade to CABSI prevention protocols. The inclusion of peripheral intravenous catheters — which are frequently used across healthcare facilities but often overlooked in surveillance programs — in the report addresses a critical gap in infection prevention, according to APIC.
Healthcare facilities should implement essential practices including using catheters only when medically necessary, employing ultrasound or other visualization technology during insertion, and conducting thorough patient assessments to select the most appropriate device type and insertion site. The guidelines emphasize that proper insertion technique and ongoing maintenance are crucial for preventing CABSIs.
The guidelines identify several risk factors that healthcare teams should consider. Nonmodifiable risks include patients with compromised immune systems, those receiving chemotherapy treatment and individuals with prolonged hospitalizations prior to catheter placement. Modifiable risk factors include emergency versus planned insertion circumstances, the skill level of the person performing the insertion, and the number of catheter lumens used.
To measure program effectiveness, the report recommends healthcare facilities track both outcome data such as infection rates and process measures including compliance with insertion protocols. The guidelines suggest monitoring catheter utilization ratios, dressing change compliance, and daily assessment of continued medical necessity for each device.
The comprehensive framework includes practical implementation tools, risk assessment checklists and communication templates designed to help multidisciplinary healthcare teams establish effective catheter-associated bloodstream infection prevention programs. According to the guide, successful implementation requires collaboration between infection preventionists, vascular access specialists, physicians, nursing staff and other healthcare personnel.
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