Central Line Infection (CLI)

How is the Central Line Infection (CLI) rate calculated? 

The Central Line Infection (CLI) rate is calculated as follows:  

Total # of ICU related BSIs after 48 hours of central line placement x 1000
Total # of central line days for ICU patients 18 years and older 

BSI: Blood Stream Infection 

Note: Only hospitals with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are required to report their quarterly CLI rate and number of cases.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is a Central Line Infection (CLI)?

When a patient requires long-term access to medication or fluids through an IV, a central line is put in place. A central line blood stream infection can occur when bacteria and/or fungi enters the blood stream, causing a patient to become sick. The bacteria can come from a variety of places (e.g., skin, wounds, environment, etc.), though it most often comes from the patient’s skin.  

Hospitals follow best practices on how to prevent bacteria from entering into a central line. Patients in the ICU often require a central line since they are seriously ill, and will require a lot of medication, for a long period of time.   

What can patients do to help reduce their chances of infection?

Patients should always follow instructions given by your healthcare team. Frequent hand cleaning is a good way to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene involves everyone in the hospital, including patients.  

What is Markham Stouffville Hospital doing to improve patient safety?

Markham Stouffville Hospital has implemented the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Just Clean Your Hands hand hygiene initiative. We are working with employees, visitors and patients to minimize hospital-acquired infections through:

·         Hand cleaning initiatives
·         Environmental cleaning
·         Sterilization of equipment
·         Education
·         Additional isolation precautions 

If you have any questions,  please contact:

Mary-Lou James
Director, Patient Relations
905-472-7095