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.