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Tennessee Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)
Reporting Requirements

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are believed to account for a large proportion of bloodstream infections (BSI) occurring in U.S. hospitals. A BSI is a serious infection and may result in a longer hospital stay, increased cost and risk of death. In Tennessee, CLABSIs have been reportable to the department from hospital intensive care units (ICU) with an average daily census (ADC) ≥ 25, excluding burn and trauma units, since January 1, 2008. CLABSIs have been reportable to all ICUs and specialty care areas (SCAs) since July 1, 2010.

Beginning January 1, 2012, all hospitals, regardless of ADC, must report CLABSIs in adult, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs. Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACs) must continue to report CLABSIs, but other SCAs will no longer be required to report CLABSI data to TDH. Monthly reporting of numerator and denominator data is ongoing in each location unless otherwise specified.

See the following for more details on reporting requirements.

For a 1-page quick reference sheet for CLABSI reporting, click here.

Which health care facilities need to report?

Beginning January 1, 2012 all acute care hospitals and long-term acute care facilities, regardless of average daily census, are required to report central line-associated bloodstream infections. Other specialty care areas besides LTACS will no longer be required to report CLABSIs.

Which units within these facilities must report information?


The following units are to provide the necessary information:
  • All adult and pediatric ICUs including burn and trauma
  • All LTACs
  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), Level 2/2 and Level 3

What information must be reported?

Regarding numerator data, central-line associated blood stream infections meeting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Healthcare Safety Network case definition must be reported.

As for denominator data, the following should be reported:
  • All ICUs (patient days, central line days including burn and trauma)
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Units (patient days, umbilical catheter days, central line days stratified by birth weight)
  • Long-term acute care (patient days, temporary central line days, permanent central line days)

How should the information be reported?

Those who report must use the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) software application.

For more information see the following links.

CLABSI Forms – Numerator CLABSI Forms - Denominator CDC Locations and Descriptions