How are central line-associated bloodstream infections prevented?

Central line-associated bloodstream infections used to be considered by many healthcare professions an unfortunate yet inevitable consequence of an extended hospital stay. However, recent research has shown this isn’t the case. In fact, Hopkins researchers led a study at Johns Hopkins Hospital and throughout hospitals in Michigan which showed that central line infections can be virtually eliminated using a simple checklist. The checklist includes interventions included procedures such as hand washing, using protective clothing during insertion and removing unnecessary catheters. Using the checklist and other methods has resulted in less opportunity for contamination.