SSC 2026 Guidelines now available — 129 adult & 61 pediatric recommendations View guidelines →
Evidence-based guideline for VAP prevention bundles, diagnostic approaches, empiric and targeted antimicrobial therapy, and surveillance in mechanically ventilated patients.
Evidence-based guideline for CLABSI prevention, including insertion and maintenance bundles, supplemental strategies, diagnosis and management of catheter-related bloodstream infections, and surveillance.
Pathogen-directed therapy for MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia with dosing tables, VAE versus traditional VAP surveillance reporting, NHSN definitions and algorithms, quality metrics including VAE rates and bundle compliance, and antibiotic stewardship considerations.
CLABSI prevention in neonates, immunocompromised patients, hemodialysis catheters, and long-term catheters; NHSN surveillance methodology; SIR calculation; CUSP framework; daily goals checklist; nurse empowerment; zero CLABSI sustainability.
Clinical diagnostic criteria, CPIS scoring table, microbiologic sampling strategies (ETA, BAL, mini-BAL) with quantitative thresholds, biomarker guidance, empiric antibiotic selection stratified by MDR risk with complete dosing tables and renal adjustments, de-escalation principles, short-course duration evidence, inhaled antibiotics, and treatment failure evaluation.
Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, antimicrobial lock therapy, CHG-impregnated dressings, antibiotic ointments, diagnosis of CRBSI (paired blood cultures, differential time to positivity, catheter tip culture), empiric therapy, catheter removal vs salvage, duration of therapy by organism, and suppurative thrombophlebitis.
Comprehensive evidence review of VAP prevention bundle components including head-of-bed elevation, sedation management, oral care and chlorhexidine controversy, subglottic secretion drainage, ETT cuff pressure, suctioning, circuit management, early mobility, stress ulcer prophylaxis, and supplemental strategies including SDD/SOD, silver-coated ETTs, and probiotics.
Evidence-based insertion bundle components (hand hygiene, maximal sterile barriers, chlorhexidine antisepsis, site selection, daily necessity review) and maintenance bundle components (hub disinfection, CHG bathing, dressing management, needleless connectors, administration set changes) with supporting evidence.
Clinical and surveillance definitions of VAP, the VAE tier system (VAC, IVAC, PVAP), HAP versus VAP distinction, epidemiology including incidence and mortality data, pathogenesis of aspiration and biofilm formation, and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.
CLABSI and CRBSI definitions, NHSN surveillance criteria, mucosal barrier injury CLABSI, epidemiology by ICU type, attributable mortality and costs, pathogenesis of catheter colonization, microbiology, and risk factors.
Evidence-based guideline for risk stratification, empiric therapy, prophylaxis, and management of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients.
Empiric and targeted antifungal therapy for invasive aspergillosis and candidemia, central line-associated bloodstream infections in neutropenic patients, infection prevention measures, and patient and caregiver education.
Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis, antifungal prophylaxis, antiviral and PJP prophylaxis, G-CSF primary and secondary prophylaxis with dosing and timing, therapeutic G-CSF in established febrile neutropenia, and management of persistent fever and documented infections.
Empiric intravenous antibiotic monotherapy and combination regimens with complete dosing, indications for vancomycin and anti-gram-positive agents, antibiotic de-escalation and duration criteria, outpatient eligibility for low-risk febrile neutropenia, oral antibiotic regimens, and monitoring requirements.
Definitions of febrile neutropenia, MASCC risk index, CISNE score, high-risk versus low-risk classification, and comprehensive initial workup including history, physical examination, laboratory studies, blood cultures, and imaging.
The complete evidence-based CLABSI prevention guide: CDC/NHSN definitions, insertion bundle, maintenance bundle, CHG bathing, antimicrobial strategies, surveillance, and Zero CLABSI implementation.
Vascular access safety guidance for immunocompromised patients — those receiving chemotherapy, transplant recipients, patients on immunosuppressants or biologics — including why infection risk is higher, stricter fever thresholds, enhanced precautions, and when to seek care immediately.
How patients and families can help prevent IV-related infections, what hand hygiene means at the bedside, when to alert your care team, and what your nurses are doing to keep your catheter safe.
Establishes requirements for skin antisepsis and site preparation prior to vascular access device insertion, including antiseptic selection, application technique, and neonatal-specific precautions.
A comprehensive methodology handbook for developing clinical guidelines, expert guidance documents, consensus statements, and practice statements in infection prevention and healthcare epidemiology. Covers proposal processes, systematic literature review, evidence grading, consensus methods, and development timelines.
Development checklists (32-month, 22-month, and 6-month timelines), review and comment period procedures, writing panel author responsibilities, inclusive language guide, and acronyms for infection prevention guideline development.
Appendices covering document type definitions with peer review responsibilities, expert guidance and consensus statement proposal forms, recommendation terminology, and evidence quality classifications for infection prevention guideline development.
Purpose, definitions, proposal process, writing panel composition, systematic literature review, consensus methods, and review & approval procedures for infection prevention guideline development.
Establishes standards for post-insertion care of all vascular access devices, including systematic assessment protocols, dressing selection and change intervals, skin antisepsis, site protection, infection prevention strategies, documentation requirements, and population-specific considerations.
Evidence-based standards for the safe insertion, management, medication administration, and complication prevention of neuraxial access devices including epidural and intrathecal catheters, implanted neuraxial ports, and intrathecal drug delivery (ITDD) systems across acute care, outpatient, and home care settings.
Establishes requirements for the appropriate selection, use, configuration, labeling, and replacement of primary and secondary administration sets for all infusion types, including standard solutions, parenteral nutrition, lipids, blood products, propofol, and hemodynamic monitoring systems.
Establishes standards for umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) and umbilical venous catheter (UVC) indications, antisepsis, tip positioning, imaging confirmation, securement, complication surveillance, and removal in neonatal patients.
Establishes standards and requirements for flushing and locking all vascular access devices to maintain catheter patency, prevent occlusion, reduce catheter-associated bloodstream infection risk, and ensure safe medication delivery across all device types and patient populations.
Evidence-based standards for preventing, recognizing, and managing bloodstream infections associated with peripheral and central vascular access devices, including care bundles, diagnostic criteria, and device removal decisions.
Establishes standards for hemodialysis vascular access device selection, vessel health and preservation, access hierarchy, infection prevention, hub care, AVF/AVG cannulation, catheter locking solutions, and patient education for patients receiving or anticipated to receive hemodialysis.
Establishes requirements for selection, disinfection, flushing and clamping sequences, replacement intervals, and infection prevention practices for all needleless connectors used on peripheral and central vascular access devices.