Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain one of the most expensive and preventable hospital-acquired infections. Each case costs hospitals between $25,000 and $55,000 in extended stays, penalties, and treatment costs. Infection prevention teams have refined insertion checklists and central line bundles for years, yet CLABSI rates remain stubbornly high in many units.
One often overlooked cause is inconsistent IV line labeling.
When IV lines are not labeled clearly or consistently, it becomes difficult to verify when tubing was last changed. During busy shifts, handwritten labels can be skipped, smudged, or hard to read. These small gaps in labeling compliance can create uncertainty and increase infection risk over time.
The Importance of Labeling in Infection Prevention
Labeling may seem simple, but it has a major impact on infection control, documentation accuracy, and staff efficiency. Studies show that only 50 to 75 percent of IV lines in hospitals are labeled correctly. That means one in three lines are either missing labels or have incomplete information.
Without reliable labeling, staff cannot confidently follow line-change policies. Some lines are changed too early, wasting supplies, while others are changed too late, increasing CLABSI risk.
How Automated IV Labeling Works
Hospitals are now solving this problem with automated IV labeling systems that eliminate handwriting entirely. These systems use barcode scanning and instant label printing to ensure that every line is labeled accurately and on time.
With Vigilant Verify, compliance typically jumps to 95 percent or higher within 24 hours of installation. The process is simple. The printer sits in the med or supply room, staff scan the medication, and a compliant, time-stamped label prints automatically. There is no IT integration, no setup, and no disruption to existing workflows.
At UPMC Williamsport, the ICU team recently began using the Vigilant Verify printer and immediately saw clearer documentation, higher compliance, and fewer unlabeled lines across all shifts.
A Small Change With a Large Impact
Improving IV labeling may seem like a small step, but it has a measurable impact on infection prevention, compliance, and patient safety. By reducing unlabeled or expired lines, hospitals can significantly lower the risk of CLABSI events while freeing up valuable nursing time.
If your hospital is working to reduce CLABSI rates or strengthen compliance, start by improving how lines are labeled.
Learn how Vigilant Verify can help your team reach 95 percent compliance overnight. Start your free trial today. No IT required.