Central venous catheters are a thin tube inserted into a large vein that goes to the heart; however, they can increase the risk of infection when bacteria grow in the catheter and travel to the bloodstream. This is called a Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infection, or CLABSI. A CLABSI can be serious and life-threatening.

Members of the Al Raiaa Home Health Care team take steps to keep infections from happening. Parents and patients also have a role to play in preventing CLABSIs through frequent hand washing.