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.