New guidance aims to reduce bloodstream infections from catheter use - WHO.

Science and Technology

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released groundbreaking global guidelines aimed at preventing bloodstream and other infections resulting from the use of catheters in minor blood vessels during medical procedures. These infections, often caused by poor practices in catheter insertion, maintenance, and removal, pose significant risks including sepsis and organ complications. Up to 70% of hospitalized patients require catheterization at some point, making them vulnerable to infections, particularly those with compromised immunity. WHO emphasizes the urgent need for clean care and infection prevention measures, stressing the grave impact of healthcare-associated infections on mortality rates, especially due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The guidelines offer 14 good practice statements and 23 recommendations for healthcare workers, focusing on education, aseptic techniques, hand hygiene, and proper catheter management, underscoring the importance of implementing preventive measures to mitigate avoidable suffering worldwide.


      WHO issues global guidelines to prevent infections from catheter use, targeting bloodstream and other complications.

      Poor catheter practices pose risks like sepsis and organ complications, affecting up to 70% of hospitalized patients.

      Guidelines stress education, aseptic techniques, and proper catheter management for healthcare workers to mitigate infections and reduce mortality rates.

 

     


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