Analysis of Surveillance Data on Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in a Hematology Ward and Evaluation of Infection Prevention Measures

Abstract

  Bloodstream infection data were analyzed from all 614 patients who had undergone central venous catheter insertion from 2009 to 2012 in the hematology ward of our hospital and the infection prevention measures were evaluated. The incidence of bloodstream infection was 6.85 (per 1000 days of catheter use) in 2009, but dropped to 3.4 in 2012. A comprehensive approach to prevent bloodstream infection using a combination of techniques supported by clear evidence has been proposed. Our hospital has also implemented a noteworthy bundle approach comprising various measures including maximal sterile barrier precautions. Future thorough implementation of the bundle approach may further decrease the infection rate.