重症监护病房中心静脉导管相关性血流感染病原菌及相关因素分析

目的探讨医院重症监护病房(ICU)中心静脉导管导管相关性血流感染(CRBSI)的病原菌分布特点及其耐药情况,并分析CRBSI的相关因素。方法对医院各科ICU 2008年1~12月所有放置中心静脉导管进行回顾性分析。结果109例患者总置管日2456 d,共送检165份中心导管尖端和283份血培养标本,导管53例阳性,阳性率为32.1%,与导管尖端培养出同一种细菌的血培养14例,导管尖端细菌定植率为21.6‰,感染率为5.7‰;引起CRBSI病原菌主要是凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌(28.6%)、金黄色葡萄球菌(21.4%)和白色假丝酵母菌(21.4%)。结论研究显示,引起CRBSI的菌株耐药率非常高,应加强导管管理的全程监控。     

综合医院ICU中心静脉导管相关性血流感染发生率及危险因素

目的了解ICU中心静脉导管相关性血流感染(CRBSI)的发病率及危险因素,为制定预防控制措施提供依据。方法采用前瞻性调查方法对江苏省19所三级综合医院ICU中心静脉置管的患者进行监测,并对置管后的维护进行全过程管理;通过logistic回归分析模型,对CRBSI的相关因素进行分析。结果 CRBSI的发病密度为3.82/1000导管日,调查时间段中后三个季度CRBSI的发生率分别为2.55%、3.30%和2.99%,明显低于监测开始的4.73%,综合ICU CRBSI的发生率为3.50%,高于专科ICU的1.74%,导管留置天数和置管地点是CRBSI的独立危险因素。结论开展ICU医院感染目标性监测有助于降低CRBSI发病率,注重中心静脉导管置管后的维护和操作时的最大无菌屏障是降低CRBSI发生率的重要措施,缩短中心静脉导管留置时间可以减少CRBSI的概率。     

ICU导管相关血流感染危险因素分析

目的了解重症监护室（ICU）导管相关血流感染（CRBSI）的危险因素,为其预防控制提供科学依据。方法选取2008年1月-2012年12月某院ICU行中心静脉置管（CVC）且时间＞48 h的住院患者1 677例,分为CRBSI组和非CRBSI组,对其进行危险因素分析。结果CVC使用率为 92.88%(21 041 d);发生CRBSI 86例,CRBSI发生率为5.13%,千导管日CRBSI发生率为4.02/1 000,CRBSI组患者病死率为58.14%（50/86）,显著高于非CRBSI组的36.83%（586/1 591）,差异有统计学意义（χ2=15.74,P＜0.01）。多因素logistic回归分析结果显示,入住ICU时间＞5 d、CVC时间＞5 d、CVC次数＞1次是CRBSI的危险因素（均P＜0.01）。结论了解ICU住院患者CRBSI状况及其危险因素,可为进一步开展目标性监测,实现CRBSI“零宽容”的奋斗目标提供参考。     

Impact of a five-year surveillance of central venous catheter infections in the REACAT intensive care unit network in France

Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections (CRIs) are a key target for infection control in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to describe temporal trends of CRI incidence in a network of volunteer ICUs in Northern France. During a 4 month surveillance period each year, all CVCs in place for more than 48h were prospectively followed until removal or patient discharge. Standard clinical and microbiological criteria were used to define colonization and CRI. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was estimated by dividing the number of observed CRIs by the number of expected CRIs, which was computed using a logistic regression model including risk factors for CRI. CRI incidence and SIR were fed back to ICUs as a benchmark at the end of each period. From 2001 to 2005, 135 ICUs participated for at least one surveillance period. Overall, 11 703 CVC in 9182 patients (122 495 CVC-days) were included. CRI incidence was 2.8 per 1000 CVC-days. Among 35 ICUs that participated for three or more consecutive periods, CRI incidence decreased significantly by 58.6%. SIR also decreased significantly from the first to the third surveillance period in these ICUs. These results suggest that surveillance programmes have a significant impact on CRI risk in ICUs and remain an important strategy for combating nosocomial infections in these settings.     

集束化干预策略在预防ICU中心静脉导管相关血流感染中的应用

目的探讨集束化干预策略预防重症监护室(ICU)中心静脉导管相关血流感染（CRBSI）的效果。方法采用前瞻性和回顾性调查相结合的方法,选择2011年3月-2012年2月某院ICU留置中心静脉导管, 实施集束化干预策略的179例患者作为试验组;2010年1-12月该ICU留置中心静脉导管, 未实施集束化干预策略的198例患者作为对照组,比较两组CRBSI发生情况。结果试验组 CRBSI发生率为3.34‰,显著低于对照组的9.42‰（χ2=5.340,P=0.021）;且试验组住院时间明显缩短［（26.43±7.16）d vs （33.25±8.51）d;t=8.35,P＜0.001］,发生CRBSI的时间显著延长［（10.11±2.34）d vs （6.23±1.92）d;t=17.703, P＜0.001］,手消毒液消耗量明显增加［41.2 mL/患者日 vs 3.5 mL/患者日;t=34.469,P＜0.001］。结论在ICU实施中心静脉导管集束化干预策略能有效降低CRBSI的发生率, 有利于CRBSI的防治。     

Nonuniform risk of bloodstream infection with increasing central venous catheter-days.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the conventional rate for central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) accurately reflects risk for patients exposed for a variety of in situ periods. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Intensive care unit patients (n = 1,375) were monitored for 7,467 CVC-days. They were monitored until catheter removal, until diagnosis of CVC-associated BSI, or for 24 hours after discharge. RESULTS: The BSI rate was 3.7 per 1,000 CVC-days. Ninety-three percent of these patients had CVCs in situ for 1-15 days. These patients were exposed to 59.7% of all CVC-days; the remaining 7% were exposed to 40.3% of all CVC-days. BSI rates stratified by exposure periods of 1-5 and 6-15 days were 2.1 and 4.5 per 1,000 CVC-days, respectively. The rates for 16-30 and 31-320 days were 10.2 and 2.1 per 1,000 CVC-days, respectively. The probability of BSI with a CVC in situ was 6 in 100 by day 15, 14 in 100 by day 25, 21 in 100 by day 30, and 53 in 100 by day 320. CONCLUSION: The conventional aggregated rate better reflects the risk for the majority of patients rather than for patients exposed to the majority of CVC-days. It does not reflect the true probability of risk for all exposures, especially beyond 30 days. CVCs in situ from 1 to 15 days had less risk of BSI than CVCs in situ more than 15 days, which may explain why scheduled CVC replacement at days 5 to 7 has not been found beneficial.     

Effect of nurse staffing and antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters on the risk for bloodstream infections in intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: Defining risk factors for central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infections (BSIs) is critical to establishing prevention measures, especially for factors such as nurse staffing and antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs. METHODS: We prospectively monitored CVCs, nurse staffing, and patient-related variables for CVC-associated BSIs among adults admitted to eight ICUs during 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 240 CVC-associated BSIs (2.8%) were identified among 4,535 patients, representing 8,593 CVCs. Antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs reduced the risk for CVC-associated BSI only among patients whose CVC was used to administer total parenteral nutrition (TPN, 2.6 CVC-associated BSIs per 1,000 CVC-days vs no TPN, 7.5 CVC-associated BSIs per 1,000 CVC-days; P = .006). Among patients not receiving TPN, there was an increase in the risk of CVC-associated BSI in patients cared for by "float" nurses for more than 60% of the duration of the CVC. In multivariable analysis, risk factors for CVC-associated BSIs were the use of TPN in non-antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs (P = .0001), patient cared for by a float nurse for more than 60% of CVC-days (P = .0019), no antibiotics administered to the patient within 48 hours of insertion (P = .0001), and patient unarousable for 70% or more of the duration of the CVC (P = .0001). Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were associated with a lower risk for CVC-associated BSI (P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs reduced the risk of CVC-associated BSI by 66% in patients receiving TPN. Limiting the use of float nurses for ICU patients with CVCs and the use of PICCs may also reduce the risk of CVC-associated BSI.     

Preventing catheter-associated bloodstream infections: a survey of policies for insertion and care of central venous catheters from hospitals in the prevention epicenter program.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which evidence-based practices for the prevention of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infections are incorporated into the policies and practices of academic intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States and to determine variations in the policies on CVC insertion, use, and care. DESIGN: A 9-page written survey of practices and policies for nontunneled CVC insertion and care. SETTING: ICUs in 10 academic tertiary-care hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: ICU medical directors and nurse managers. RESULTS: Twenty-five ICUs were surveyed (1-6 ICUs per hospital). In 80% of the units, 5 separate groups of clinicians inserted 24%-50% of all nontunneled CVCs. In 56% of the units, placement of more than two-thirds of nontunneled CVCs was performed in a single location in the hospital. Twenty units (80%) had written policies for CVC insertion. Twenty-eight percent of units had a policy requiring maximal sterile-barrier precautions when CVCs were placed, and 52% of the units had formal educational programs with regard to CVC insertion. Eighty percent of the units had a policy requiring staff to perform hand hygiene before inserting CVCs, but only 36% and 60% of the units required hand hygiene before accessing a CVC and treating the exit site, respectively. CONCLUSION: ICU policy regarding the insertion and care of CVCs varies considerably from hospital to hospital. ICUs may be able to improve patient outcome if evidence-based guidelines for CVC insertion and care are implemented.     

Cost-effectiveness of employing a total parenteral nutrition surveillance nurse for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections

The cost of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is substantial in terms of morbidity, mortality and financial resources. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a recognised risk factor for CRBSI. In 1997, an intravenous nutrition nurse was promoted to TPN surveillance clinical nurse manager (CNM) and quarterly infection audit meetings were introduced to monitor trends in CRBSI. Data were prospectively collected over a 15-year period using specific TPN records in a 535-bed tertiary acute university hospital. A total of 20 439 CVC-days and 307 CRBSIs were recorded. Mean number of infections before, and after, the introduction of a dedicated TPN surveillance CNM were compared. Mean CRBSI per 1000 catheter-days ±SD was 20.5 ± 6.34 prior to 1997 and 14.64 ± 7.81 after 1997, representing a mean reduction of 5.84 CRBSIs per 1000 catheter-days (95% CI: −4.92 to 16.60; P = 0.05). Mean number of CRBSIs per year ±SD was 28.3 ± 4.93 prior to 1997 and 18.5 ± 7.37 after 1997, representing a mean decrease of 9.8 infections per year (95% CI: 0.01 to 19.66; P < 0.05). The savings made by preventing 9.8 infections per year were calculated from data on bed-days obtained from the hospital finance office. The cost in hospital days saved per annum was €135,000. Introduction of a TPN surveillance CNM saved the hospital at least €78,300 per annum and led to a significant decrease in CRBSIs in TPN patients.     

Device-associated infection rates for non-intensive care unit patients.

BACKGROUND: Reference data from intensive care units (ICUs) are not applicable to non-ICU patients because of the differences in device use rates, length of stay, and severity of underlying diseases among the patient populations. In contrast to the huge amount of data available for ICU patients, appropriate surveillance data for non-ICU patients have been missing in Germany. OBJECTIVE: To establish a new module ("DEVICE-KISS") of the German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System for generating stratified reference data for non-ICU wards. SETTING: Non-ICU patients from 42 German hospitals. METHODS: Monthly patient-days, device-days and nosocomial infections (NIs) (using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions) were counted. Device use rates were calculated, and NI rates were stratified by different medical specialities. RESULTS: From July 2002 through June 2004, among the 77 wards, there were a total of 536,955 patient-days and 74,188 device-days (for CVC-associated primary bloodstream infections, there were 181,401 patient-days and 8,317 central vascular catheter [CVC]-days in 29 wards; for urinary catheter-associated urinary tract infections, there were 445,536 patient-days and 65,871 urinary catheter-days in 65 wards) and 483 NIs (36 bloodstream infections and 447 urinary tract infections). The mean device use rates were 4.6 device-days per 100 patient-days for CVCs (29 wards) and 14.8 device-days per 100 patient-days for urinary catheters (65 wards), respectively. Mean device-associated NI rates were 4.3 infections per 1,000 CVC-days for CVC-associated bloodstream infections and 6.8 infections per 1,000 urinary catheter-days for catheter-associated urinary tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: DEVICE-KISS allows non-ICUs to recognize an outlier position with regard to NIs by providing well-founded reference data for non-ICU patients.     

综合ICU导管相关性血流感染的危险因素分析

目的 探讨ICU导管相关性血流感染(CRBSI)的感染率及危险因素.方法 采用前瞻性监测,对2009年7月-2010年11月入住ICU＞ 24 h、年龄＞1月龄的置管患者进行监测,并对发生CRBSI的病例进行危险因素分析.结果 监测患者共1145例,其中接受血管内置管的患者890例,血管内导管使用率为77.7％,置管日为9189 d,发生CRBSI 26例,CRBSI感染率为2.9％,平均日感染率为2.8/千日;CRBSI感染率与置管时间、置管次数均呈正相关(x2=40.71,P=0.000;x2=28.6,P=0.000);留置天数(OR=2.415)与置管次数(OR=1.531)是综合ICU的CRBSI独立危险因素.结论 严格执行手卫生、无菌技术置管和维护、尽早拔除导管是预防CRBSI发生的关键.     

Prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections using non-technologic strategies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of nosocomial bacteremias related to the use of non-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) when only non-technologic strategies were used to prevent them. DESIGN: This was a prospective study of infectious complications of CVCs placed in intensive care unit (ICU) patients from April 1997 to December 2001. SETTING: The medical-surgical ICU of a tertiary-care, university-affiliated hospital in Argentina. METHODS: We studied all patients admitted to the ICU using non-impregnated CVCs. Maximal sterile barrier precautions (ie, use of cap, mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, and large sterile drape), strict handwashing, preparation of the patients' skin with antiseptic solutions, insertion and management of catheters by trained personnel, and continuing quality improvement programs aimed at appropriate insertion and maintenance of catheters were employed. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,525 patients were admitted to the ICU. Eight hundred sixty-eight patients had 1,037 CVCs inserted. The number of CVC-related bloodstream infections (BSIs), acquired in the ICU, was 2.7 per 1,000 CVC-days (13 nosocomial CVC-related BSIs during 4,770 days of CVC use). Microorganisms isolated included methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (n = 6), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (n = 2), coagulase-negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (n = 2), Escherichia coli (n = 1), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1), and Enterobacter cloacae (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: A low rate of catheter-related BSI was achieved without antimicrobial-impregnated catheters. The incidence of CVC-associated bacteremias corresponded to the 10th to 20th percentile range of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System hospitals for the same type of ICU.     

Reducing central venous catheter-associated primary bloodstream infections in intensive care units is possible: data from the German nosocomial infection surveillance system.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The German Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System (KISS) began in 1997 as a nationwide surveillance project for voluntary registration of nosocomial infections in intensive care units (ICUs). This study investigates trends in the rates of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated primary bloodstream infections (BSIs) in ICUs since participation in KISS. METHODS: Eighty-four ICUs that had participated in KISS for at least 24 months were considered for more detailed analysis. Monthly rates of primary BSI for the 84 ICUs were pooled for the 24 months. The best model for describing the curve of reduction was sought. Additionally, incidence densities were compared using the z test. RESULTS: For the 212 ICUs participating, a relative 25.7% decrease (from 2.1 to 1.6 primary BSIs per 1,000 CVC-days) was observed from January 1997 to June 2001. The 84 ICUs that participated in KISS for a minimum of 24 months accumulated 552,359 patient-days and 404,897 CVC-days during their 24 months. A linear regression model was selected to explain the curve of primary BSI reduction in the 84 ICUs. It showed a decrease from 2.1 to 1.5 primary BSIs per 1,000 CVC-days, meaning an overall relative reduction of 28.6% during the 2-year observation period. These results were significant (Student's t test for the monthly reduction coefficient; P = .04). The reduction of primary BSIs was shown for both clinical sepsis and laboratory-confirmed, CVC-associated primary BSIs. CONCLUSION: Performing surveillance with KISS was associated with a reduction of the rates of CVC-associated primary BSIs in ICU patients.     

Anti-infective-treated central venous catheters for total parenteral nutrition or chemotherapy: a systematic review

This systematic review assesses the effect of anti-infective-treated central venous catheters (CVCs) on catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in patients who received a CVC for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or chemotherapy. Randomised controlled trials were retrieved from Medline and the Cochrane Library up to 14 October 2007. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data for CRBSI were combined where appropriate, using a random effects model, and subgroup meta-analysis was carried out where applicable. The impact of the risk for CRBSI in the control group on the effect of anti-infective CVCs was studied by using meta-regression based on the bivariate meta-analysis model. Nine trials were included in the review. One trial showed that antibiotic-treated CVCs reduced the risk for CRBSI in outpatients with chemotherapy and a CVC in-situ during a period of about nine weeks. Eight trials did not find an overall significant benefit in favour of antiseptic-treated CVCs in patients who had a CVC during a mean of about two weeks. No relationship could be established between the effect of anti-infective-treated CVCs and the underlying risk for CRBSI, although nearly all trials had serious methodological shortcomings. Thus, available scientific evidence to prevent CRBSI by the use of anti-infective-treated CVCs in patients receiving chemotherapy or TPN is not sufficient as a basis to recommend their use. The recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use antibiotic- or antiseptic-impregnated CVCs, when the risk for CRBSI remains high despite good hygienic practice, should therefore be limited to patients in the intensive care/perioperative setting.     

Risk Factors for the Development of Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infections in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition

Background: Risk factors for development of catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) were studied in 125 adults and 18 children who received home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Methods: Medical records from a national home care pharmacy were reviewed for all patients that had HPN infused at least twice weekly for a minimum of two years from January 1, 2006‐December 31, 2011. Infection and risk factor data were collected during this time period on all patients although those patients who received HPN for a longer period had data collected since initiation of HPN. Results: In adults, 331 central venous catheters (CVCs) were placed. Total catheter years were 1157. Median CVC dwell time was 730 days. In children, there were 53 CVCs placed. Total catheter years were 113.1. Median CVC dwell time was 515 days. There were 147 CRBSIs (0.13/catheter year;0.35/1000 catheter days). In children there were 33 CRBSIs (0.29/catheter year;0.80/1000 days; P < .001 versus adults). In adults, univariate analysis showed use of subcutaneous infusion ports instead of tunneled catheters (P = .001), multiple lumen catheters (P = .001), increased frequency of lipid emulsion infusion (P = .001), obtaining blood from the CVC (P < 0.001), and infusion of non‐PN medications via the CVC (P < .001) were significant risk factors for CRBSI. Increased PN frequency was associated with increased risk of CRBSI (P = .001) in children, but not in adults. Catheter disinfection with povidone‐iodine was more effective than isopropyl alcohol alone. There were insufficient patients to evaluate chlorhexidine‐containing regimens. Conclusion: Numerous risk factors for CRBSI were identified for which simple and current countermeasures already exist.     

Hospital-wide survey of the use of central venous catheters

There are few data on indications for central venous catheter (CVC) use. We conducted an observational, hospital-wide prospective cohort study to quantify the indications for catheter placement over dwell time and to investigate agreement between healthcare workers (HCWs) on CVC use. Catheter use was observed by on-site visits, HCW interviews, and screening of patient charts. A total of 378 CVCs were inserted in 292 patients, accounting for 2704 catheter-days. Of these, 93% CVCs were multilumen catheters and 70% were placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). Median dwell time (interquartile range) was 5 (2-9) days overall, and 4 (2-7) and 8 (3-15) in the ICU and non-ICU settings, respectively. The mean number of specified indications for CVC use per day was 1.7 (1.9 for ICU and 1.5 for non-ICU; P<0.001). The most frequent reason (49%) for catheter use was prolonged (>7 days) antibiotic therapy followed by parenteral nutrition (22.3%). A total of 130 catheter-days (4.8%) were unnecessary with a higher proportion in non-ICU settings (6.6%). In 94% of cases, there was agreement among HCWs on indications for CVC use. However, 35 on-site visits (8.3%) in non-ICU settings revealed that neither the nurse nor the treating physician knew why the catheter was in place. ICU catheters have a short dwell time but are utilised more often, whereas catheters in non-ICU settings show a reverse characteristic. Prevention measures targeting catheter care are more likely to be successful in non-ICU settings.     

六西格玛管理在预防ICU导管相关血流感染中的应用

目的探讨利用六西格玛管理方法预防控制重症监护病房(ICU)导管相关血流感染(CRBSI)的效果。方法选取2015年3—12月入住某院ICU留置中心静脉导管的患者,运用六西格玛的界定、测量、分析、改进和控制阶段五步法,找出影响CRBSI的关键因素,并针对性采取改进措施,比较应用六西格玛前后CRBSI发病率。结果应用六西格玛管理后,CRBSI发病率为6.19‰(4/646),低于管理前的15.95‰(13/815),差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论六西格玛管理方法能揭示操作环节中的缺陷,进而指导研究者提出相应对策,能有效降低ICU CRBSI发病率。     

北京市三级医院ICU医院感染目标性监测分析

目的 了解北京市三级医院重症监护病房(ICU),侵入性操作相关医院感染目标性监测开展情况及相关防控措施落实情况.方法 制定统一调查表,对北京市38所三级医院的ICU进行现场评估.结果 38所三级医院中有36所开展了侵入性操作相关医院感染目标性监测;36所医院均开展了中心静脉导管相关血流感染(CRBSI)监测,平均千日导管感染率为2.5‰;26所开展了导尿管相关泌尿系感染(CAUTI)监测,平均千日导管感染率为2.1‰,88.5％的医院对留置尿管患者不再常规进行膀胱冲洗;28所开展了呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)监测,平均千日导管感染率为7.6‰,71.5％的医院对气管插管患者口腔护理的次数为2次/d,53.6％的医院使用洗必泰漱口液进行口腔护理.结论 绝大多数三级医院已开展医院感染的目标性监测,侵入性操作相关感染防控措施的规范与落实有待进一步推进.     

目标性监测对控制导管相关性血流感染的效果分析

目的研究目标性监测对控制重症监护病房(ICU)导管相关性血流感染的意义。方法开展导管相关性血流感染的目标性监测,通过更换抗菌涂层导管、静脉穿刺部位,加强无菌操作和手卫生管理,减少连接三通数目和置管时间等措施,监测导管相关性血流感染的发病率,并与未开展目标性监测前的发病率进行比较。结果开展目标性监测后,导管相关性血流感染发病率由开展前9.89%下降至3.02%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论开展目标性监测对控制ICU导管相关性血流感染发病率具有显著效果,因此全面开展目标性监测对控制重点部位感染发病率有积极意义。     

Preventing central venous catheter-associated primary bloodstream infections: characteristics of practices among hospitals participating in the Evaluation of Processes and Indicators in Infection Control (EPIC) study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the conceptual framework and methodology of the Evaluation of Processes and Indicators in Infection Control (EPIC) study and present results of CVC insertion characteristics and organizational practices for preventing BSIs. The goal of the EPIC study was to evaluate relationships among processes of care, organizational characteristics, and the outcome of BSI. DESIGN: This was a multicenter prospective observational study of variation in hospital practices related to preventing CVC-associated BSIs. Process of care information (eg, barrier use during insertions and experience of the inserting practitioner) was collected for a random sample of approximately 5 CVC insertions per month per hospital during November 1998 to December 1999. Organization demographic and practice information (eg, surveillance activities and staff and ICU nurse staffing levels) was also collected. SETTING: Medical, surgical, or medical-surgical ICUs from 55 hospitals (41 U.S. and 14 international sites). PARTICIPANTS: Process information was obtained for 3,320 CVC insertions with an average of 58.2 (+/- 16.1) insertions per hospital. Fifty-four hospitals provided policy and practice information. RESULTS: Staff spent an average of 13 hours per week in study ICU surveillance. Most patients received nontunneled, multiple lumen CVCs, of which fewer than 25% were coated with antimicrobial material. Regarding barriers, most clinicians wore masks (81.5%) and gowns (76.8%); 58.1% used large drapes. Few hospitals (18.1%) used an intravenous team to manage ICU CVCs. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variation exists in CVC insertion practice and BSI prevention activities. Understanding which practices have the greatest impact on BSI rates can help hospitals better target improvement interventions.