Variability in the Application of Surveillance Definitions for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Across U.S. Hospitals

We performed a survey via the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America’s Research Network exploring reporting differences for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in U.S. hospitals. Three patient scenarios were presented, and respondents were asked to determine whether the infection was a CLABSI reportable to the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), a secondary bloodstream infection, or an infection present on admission. Hospitals were also asked how they adjudicate cases when having a difficult time determining the type of infection, including whether hospitals contact NHSN, ask for physician or committee guidance on HAI determination, or rely solely upon NHSN definitions.

Barker CA, Calderwood M, Dowling-Schmitt M. 2179. Variability in the Application of Surveillance Definitions for Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Across U.S. Hospitals. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2018 Nov 26;5:S643. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofy210.1835