Authors

  1. Spencer, Maureen MEd, BSN, RN, CIC

Article Content

The article "Champions for Central Line Care" (September) contains a discrepancy in the definition of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The opening paragraph of the article says that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines CLABSIs as "primary bloodstream infections that occur within 48 hours of central venous catheter insertion." It should say "after 48 hours."

 

Maureen Spencer, MEd, BSN, RN, CIC

 

Boston

 

Coauthor Seth M. Reed, BSN, RN, CCRN, responds: Thank you for bringing this to readers' attention. Our definition in the article was not complete, and, as you point out, the CDC has refined the definition of CLABSI since we conducted this initiative. The current CDC protocol specifies that a primary bloodstream infection be considered a CLABSI only if the infection occurs after a central line has been in place for more than two calendar days or up to two calendar days after the line's removal (for more information, see http://1.usa.gov/1F6GnuN).