What it means
Germs can reach the blood from an infection elsewhere, such as the lungs or urinary tract, or through a device such as a central line. It is confirmed with blood cultures. A central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is one of the most serious infections picked up in hospital, and it can lead to sepsisSEP-sisA severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.Full entry .
For the nurse
Prevent line infections with hand hygiene, sterile technique for dressing changes, scrubbing the hub before each access and removing lines that are no longer needed. Draw blood cultures before the first antibiotic dose when ordered.
At a glance
| Also written | bloodstream infections |
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Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
central venous catheter
An IV catheter whose tip sits in a large vein near the heart, used for long-term drugs, fluids, nutrition or blood draws.
blood culture
A test in which blood is placed in bottles and watched to see whether bacteria or fungi grow from it.
bacteremia
The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.