What is a Central Line?

A central line is a permanent IV that is used to give medicines and to take blood. There are different types of central lines which are dependent on the placement of the line.  A central line can be a port, Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), or Central Venous Line (CVL).  This line can go into the neck, arm, chest, or groin.

No matter which type of central line is used, inside the body, the end of the central line goes to the large vein of the heart. For this reason, it is very important to try to prevent any infections in the central line.

What is a Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI)?

An infection in the blood that is related to a central line is called a Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infection or CLABSI for short. An infection in the blood can occur when bacteria or germs travel through the central line and enter the blood. Every time a line is disconnected or reconnected, there is a chance of infection.

• This can cause fever or chills.
• The area around the central line may become red and sore. There may be some fluid drainage but not always.

Infections in the blood can happen through the central line, or through wounds in the mouth or skin. Keeping these areas clean is one of the best ways to prevent infection. Here are ways you can help prevent infection while your child has a central line.

Line Care

• Keeping your child’s line very clean is the most important thing you can do to prevent an infection.
• Before anyone touches the central line, they must always wash their hands well with soap and water.
• If your child has a PICC or a CVL, flush the line every day. Use the technique your care team taught you.
• Your child’s central line dressing should always be clean and dry. If the dressing is wet or peeling off, contact your child’s care team to get it changed.
• Keep all supplies used to take care of your child’s central line in a clean, dry space away from water, children and pets.

Mouth

Infections in the mouth can lead to infections in the blood.  Doing these things can help keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy:

• Brush teeth with a soft toothbrush at least 2 times per day.
• Use mouthwash 4 times per day to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
• Use lip balm at least 2 times per day. This is to prevent cracks in the lips from dryness.  Cracks in the lips can become infected.

Bathing

Skin is exposed to many things during the day, including bacteria.

• Clean your child’s body in a bath or shower with soap and water multiple times per week.
• If your child has a PICC or CVL, cover the line with plastic wrap to prevent it from getting wet.

Wounds

A wound anywhere on the body could allow germs to enter the body.

• Clean any cuts or openings in the skin.  Cover with a bandage if needed.
• If your child is in diapers, take care of the skin in the diaper area. If there is any breakdown of the skin, it could get infected. Use ointments and creams as needed.
• If your child has a g-tube, clean the g-tube site every day. If the skin around the g-tube is open, talk with your care team about how to take care of it.

In the Home

Keep areas that your child touches frequently as clean as possible.  This could include cleaning countertops, doorknobs, and toilets often.  They should wear clean clothes and have clean bed linens as much as possible.  Have everyone in the house wash their hands often.

• If you got a PICC Sleeve, CVAD vest or bodysuit for your child use it at home.