Heimann SM, et al. - Researchers performed a health-economic analysis of published data comparing the economic effect of using central venous catheter (CVC) dressings with a chlorhexidine-containing gel pad or non-chlorhexidine control dressings for preventing CVC-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). CRBSI-related direct treatment cost factors were determined using a micro-costing approach. In overall direct treatment costs, similar results were demonstrated, which implied that higher acquisition costs of chlorhexidine-containing dressings did not translate into higher costs. A lower rate of probable/definite CRBSI and reduced associated costs were documented which primarily outweighed the expenses. In both groups, treatment on general ward was identified as the most important cost driver.