Table 1

Interventions to prevent central venous catheter (CVC) infection

• Use protocols for catheter insertion and maintenance

• Check for adequate training, experience, and numbers of nurses caring for patients with CVC

• Use antimicrobial-coated CVCs if the incidence of catheter-related infection remains high despite adherence to guidelines and recommended measures

• Use maximal sterile-barrier precautions during catheter insertion

• Insert catheters using the subclavian venous site

• Use ultrasound guidance during catheterization (?)

• Consider tunneling if subclavian access is not possible and the CVC is anticipated to be in situ for more than 7 days

• Clean hands with an alcohol-based handrub solution before any manipulation of the infusion line

• Change dressings not more frequently than 7 days if not soiled, wet, or unstuck

• Avoid the use of antibiotic prophylaxis at catheter insertion, and antibiotic ointments or inline filters during catheter maintenance

• Use the enteral route or peripheral venous access instead of the CVC as soon as possible

• Do not schedule routine catheter changes

• Remove catheters when they are no longer needed

Frasca et al. Critical Care 2010 14:212   doi:10.1186/cc8853