Emerg Infect DiseidEmerging Infectious Diseases1080-60401080-6059Centers for Disease Control112947052631731Research ArticleNew technologies to prevent intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infections.MermelL. A.lmermel@lifespan.orgBrown University School of Medicine and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.Mar-Apr200172197199

Most intravascular catheter-related infections are associated with central venous catheters. Technologic advances shown to reduce the risk for these infections include a catheter hub containing an iodinated alcohol solution, short-term chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine- impregnated catheters, minocycline-rifampin-impregnated catheters, and chlorhexidine- impregnated sponge dressings. Nontechnologic strategies for reducing risk include maximal barrier precautions during catheter insertion, specialized nursing teams, continuing quality improvement programs, and tunneling of short-term internal jugular catheters.