What does surveillance for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) primarily involve?

Surveillance for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) primarily involves documenting the presence of a central line when a patient develops a bloodstream infection. This practice is critical because it allows healthcare professionals to establish a correlation between the presence of a central line and subsequent infections. By accurately tracking and documenting when a central line was in place relative to the onset of an infection, infection control teams can identify patterns in CLABSI occurrences and determine effective preventive measures.

Additionally, this documentation plays a key role in evaluating the quality of care provided and assessing the risk that central lines contribute to bloodstream infections. Accurate surveillance data is essential for implementing strategies aimed at minimizing CLABSI rates, leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced safety protocols within healthcare settings.