Central Line Infections

You need a central line as part of your treatment. It’s also called a central venous access device (CVAD) or central venous catheter (CVC). A small, soft tube called a catheter is put in a vein that leads to your heart. The central line is used instead of a standard IV (intravenous) line. It does not need to be replaced as often as a standard IV. This means less pain and fewer needlesticks during treatment. But central lines come with a risk of infection. This sheet tells you more about central line infections and what hospitals are doing to prevent them. And it explains how an infection is treated, if one occurs.

Types of central lines

With a central line, a catheter is inserted into your body through a vein that leads to the large vein near the heart (vena cava). Types of central lines and their risk of infection are listed below. Which type is best for you depends on your needs and your overall health. Your healthcare provider can tell you which type of line you need, and why.

• Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). This is placed in a large vein in the upper arm, or near the bend of the elbow.

• Subclavian line. This is placed in a vein that runs behind the collarbone.

• Internal jugular line. This is placed into a large vein in the neck. Infection risk is higher than with a PICC or subclavian line, but lower than with a femoral line.

• Femoral line. This may be placed in a large vein in the groin. This site is generally not used because of an increased risk for infection. 

• Tunneled catheter. This is run through the soft tissue under the skin before it enters a vein. A small cuff helps hold the catheter in place. Both the tunnel and the cuff help prevent infection. This type of catheter may be placed in any of the above locations.

• Port. This small device is placed completely under the skin on the arm or chest. It’s connected to a catheter that is threaded into the vena cava.

Types of infections

A central line provides a direct path into your bloodstream. This gives germs possible access into your body. All types of central lines are associated with some risk of infection. Often, the germs that cause a central line infection come from your own skin. There are 2 possible types of infection:

• Local infection. This can occur where the central line enters your body. Symptoms include redness, pain, or swelling at or near the catheter site, pain or tenderness along the path of the catheter, and drainage from the skin around the catheter.

• Systemic infection (also called bacteremia). This can occur if germs get into the bloodstream. This is very serious and can be fatal. Symptoms include sudden fever, shaking chills, a racing heartbeat, confusion, change in behavior, and a skin rash.

Risk factors for infection

Anyone who has a central line can get an infection. Your risk is higher if you:

• Are in the intensive care unit (ICU).

• Have a weakened immune system or serious illness.

• Are receiving bone marrow or chemotherapy.

• Have the line for an extended time.

• Have a central line in your neck or groin.

How central line infections are treated

Treatment depends on the type of central line, how severe the infection is, and your overall health. Your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. The line may also need to be removed. In some cases, the line is flushed with high doses of antibiotics. This may kill the germs causing the infection, so the line doesn’t have to be removed.

What hospitals do to prevent infection

Hospitals have a plan to reduce central line infections. This plan includes:

• Good hand hygiene. Hospital staff clean their hands before and after touching the line. They wash their hands with soap and water. Or they use an alcohol-based hand cleaner containing at least 60% alcohol.

• Using sterile practices during placement. The healthcare worker who places the line wears germ-free (sterile) clothing including a long-sleeved gown and gloves. Before the line is placed, your skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. During placement, you are fully covered with a large sterile sheet (a sterile drape). Only the spot where the line is placed is exposed. After placement, the site where the line enters the body is covered with a sterile bandage (dressing).

• Choosing a lower-risk vein. Whenever possible, the line is placed in the vein that's right for your treatment and has the lowest infection risk. Some hospitals use lines coated with an antiseptic to reduce the chance of infection.

• Checking for infection. The line is checked frequently for infection. It is removed as soon as you no longer need it.

What you can do to prevent infection

Before you get a central line, ask questions. Find out why you need the line and where it will be placed. Learn what steps the hospital is taking to reduce your infection risk. Once the line has been placed, you, your caretakers, and any visitors can help prevent infection by doing the following:

• Use good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand gel as directed. To clean your hands effectively, follow the guidelines on this sheet. Visitors should wash hands well when they arrive and when they leave.

• Make sure healthcare staff clean their hands. They should use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner before and after checking the line. Don’t be afraid to remind them.

• Keep the line dry. Follow your provider’s guidelines for showering. If the dressing does get wet, tell your healthcare provider right away.

• Don’t touch the line. Even when your hands are clean, try not to touch the catheter or dressing.

• Learn the sterile dressing technique. This is important if you will be caring for the line at home. Your provider can show you what to do.

Risk for blood clot

If a blood clot forms it can block blood flow through the vein where the catheter is placed. Signs of a blood clot include pain or swelling in the neck, face, chest, or arm. If you have any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away. You may need an ultrasound exam to locate the blood clot and receive treatment with a blood thinner.  

When to seek medical care

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a central line and develop any of the following:

• Pain or burning in your shoulder, chest, back, arm, or leg

• Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher

• Chills

• Signs of infection at the catheter site (pain, redness, drainage, burning, or stinging)

• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• A racing or irregular heartbeat

• Muscle stiffness or trouble moving

• Gurgling noises coming from the catheter

• The catheter falls out, breaks, cracks, leaks, or has other damage