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To the Editors: Catheter-related bloodstream infections associated with the use of central venous catheters (CVCs) are a major source of morbidity in US intensive care units,¹ accounting for approximately 80 000 infections annually. To prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections, national evidence-based guidelines published in 1996 recommended maximal barrier precautions (MBPs) (ie, mask, sterile gloves, gown, and large sterile drape) and skin antisepsis during CVC insertion.² In 2001, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supported an evidence-based review of best hospital safety practices, listing MBPs among the highest priorities.³ The 2002 update of national guidelines prioritized MBP use and skin antisepsis with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG),⁴ but physician adherence to recommendations supporting use of MBPs and CHG remains unknown.

Methods

Surveys were mailed to 1000 US internists selected randomly from the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine membership. Initial surveys were mailed in June 2002, followed by up to 2 additional . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Lewis Rubinson, MD; Edward F. Haponik, MD
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Albert W. Wu, MD, MPH
Division of General Internal Medicine

Gregory B. Diette, MD, MHS
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Md

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Use of Central Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Prevention Practices by US Hospitals
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Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82:672-678.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT