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The problem of CLASBIs in Georgia hospitals

On Behalf of | Mar 19, 2019 | Medical Malpractice

A serious injury or illness, among other causes, may lead you to seek medical treatment at a hospital in Georgia. When you go in, you likely expect your condition to improve, not that you might be made sicker. Unfortunately, however, you may contract other ailments, such as central line-associated bloodstream infections.  If proper precautions are taken by health care providers, these types of infections may be preventable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, central lines are a type of catheter that may be placed in your chest, neck or groin. Often used in intensive care units, these lines may be left in place for an extended period in order to administer fluids or medications or to collect blood for testing. Central line-associated bloodstream infections, or CLASBIs, may develop if viruses or bacteria enter your bloodstream through the central line.

As a result of a CLASBI, you may experience a range of symptoms. This includes redness, swelling, pain, drainage and fever. The CDC points out that thousands of people die each year due to these types of infections.

Having responsibility for the well-being of their patients, there are numerous things medical providers should do to help keep those in their care safe. When inserting central lines, it is important for health care professionals to perform hand hygiene, apply the appropriate skin antiseptic and ensure the agent is dry before starting, and using all five maximal barrier precautions. Once the central lines are inserted, they should wash their hands before and after touching them, as well as follow the recommended maintenance protocols. In order to reduce your risk of developing a CLASBI, your health care provider should remove your central line as soon as it is no longer needed.

Developing a CLASBI while seeking treatment for another ailment may significantly worsen your condition, as well as extend your recovery time. Consequently, you may incur undue medical costs and lose income while you are off work. If your infection was caused as a result of unsanitary conditions or medical professional negligence, however, you may be entitled to compensation. For more information about this topic, please visit our web page.

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