Central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with more infections — and more serious infections — than short peripheral catheters. Patients who need CVCs are typically sicker and more vulnerable to infections; also, their catheters are likely to be accessed more often, increasing their potential exposure to microorganisms. In this article, the author, a nationally known authority on IV therapy, spells out recommendations from IHI’s 100,000 Lives Campaign and reviews the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s pertinent guidelines for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections.

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