Investigating potential drivers of increased central line–associated bloodstream infections during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Omicron surge

Central line–associated bloodstream infection rates increased during the Omicron surge at our rural academic medical center. To identify potential drivers of this increase, we investigated period- and patient-specific factors associated with the increase in central line–associated bloodstream infection. Increased central line utilization, decreased central line bundle compliance monitoring, increased proportion of traveling nurses, increased short-term venous catheter use in the internal jugular vein, increased multilumen catheter use, decreased port–associated infection, and increased patient acuity were significantly associated with the surge. Our results helped us target our local infection prevention efforts.