Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections

Intravascular, subcutaneous, and intraosseous catheters provide crucial access to the bloodstream or other tissues for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Health professionals commonly use this medical device to deliver medication, fluids, nutrition, and blood products, to collect blood samples and to monitor hemodynamic parameters. By breaching the skin barrier, catheters create a potential entry point for microorganisms. This increases the risk of local and systemic infections, especially in vulnerable patients.

In this advisory report, the Superior Health Council offers healthcare professionals concrete, evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and management of catheter-related bloodstream infections. These recommendations cover the entire process: selection, insertion, use, maintenance, and removal, with both general principles and catheter-specific guidelines.

The Council also emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis, combining clinical assessment and microbiological testing to enable timely and effective intervention. Furthermore, quality indicators and practical tools are provided to ensure the safe and sustainable use of catheters in healthcare settings.