📄 Bloodstream Infections in Dialysis Patients
Infection is a leading cause of hospitalization and death in hemodialysis patients. Bloodstream infections are a particularly severe form of infection that can occur in these patients.
It estimate that about 37,000 bloodstream infections occur among dialysis patients with central lines each year, costing approximately $23,000 per hospitalization. This is a substantial burden and cost to our health system.
Dialysis Infection Prevention Strategies
CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network
Performed monthly hand hygiene observations;
Performed regular observations of vascular access care and catheter accessing;
Trained staff on infection control topics, including access care and use of aseptic technique;
Provided standardized education to their patients on infection prevention strategies;
Worked to identify and address barriers to permanent vascular access placement and catheter removal;
Used chlorhexidine for catheter exit-site skin antisepsis during dressing changes;
Scrubbed catheter hubs with an appropriate antiseptic before accessing the lines; and
Applied an antibiotic ointment or povidone-iodine ointment to catheter exit sites during dressing changes.
