Are Central Lines Placed in the ED Associated with Higher Risk for Bloodstream Infections?

The rate of bloodstream infections for central lines placed in a single emergency department was comparable to the rate for lines placed in the intensive care unit.

On January 1, 2010, The Joint Commission added to its quality measures a National Patient Safety Goal for use of maximum barrier precautions and a checklist and standardized protocol for placement of central venous catheters throughout the hospital, including in the emergency department (ED). In a retrospective chart review, researchers determined the rate of central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in a single urban academic ED in Boston before implementation of the checklist.

During 2007 and 2008, 656 patients underwent placement of central lines in the ED and 7 CLABSIs were reported. The CLABSI rate for lines placed in the ED was 1.93 per 1000 catheter-days. The CLABSI rate for lines placed in the hospital's ICU during 200…

Reviewing Author

Richard D. Zane, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Richard D. Zane, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose