Definition of catheter-related bloodstream infection as a quality improvement measure in intensive care

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) accounts for 10% to 20% of hospital-acquired infections in the UK and is associated with both increased ICU stay and mortality. Rates of CRBSI may be modified by clinical care during insertion and utilisation of central venous catheters (CVCs) [1]. As such, the incidence of CRBSI has been proposed as a quality indicator. There is currently no consensus regarding the definition of CRBSI.