Bibliographic information
GuidelineGuidelines for the prevention of bloodstream infections and other infections associated with the use of intravascular catheters: part 2: central venous catheters
Year of Publication2026
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
WHO suggests using a single lumen over a multi-lumen catheter (unless there is a specific reason that requires multiple lumens) in adults, adolescents, children and neonates requiring a long-term line. (Long-term catheters only) (All population)
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Very low
Notes and Remarks
- The decision about whether to use a single lumen over a multi-lumen CVC should be made solely on the clinical need for multiple catheter lumens.
- GDG members acknowledged that this recommendation would be more suitable for noncritically ill patients and outside of the ICU settings (where the clinical need often dictates the demand for a multiple-lumen catheter).
- The GDG also commented on the age of the evidence published (from years 1987 to 1995) and that such evidence may not be relevant any longer when considering current clinical practices and additional IPC measures available (including bundles) to prevent CLABSI.
- The recommendation applies to adults, adolescents and children, but not neonates as no multilumen long-term catheters other than PICC lines are available for this age group. As for all CVCs, clinicians should have received training in the appropriate sterile/aseptic protocols to maintain and access an intravascular catheter, including those with multiple lumens.