We identified several novel factors related to PICC BSIs. These factors may inform preventive measures.

PICC use and PICC BSI rates were higher in ICUs; however, most of the PICC BSIs occurred in non-ICU areas. Reduction in intravenous therapy services was associated with increased PICC use across the hospital, but PICC BSI rates did not increase.

This study suggests that visual assessment is not enough to ensure quality of the process and it is necessary to document the level of cleanliness by quantitative methods.