1. Hand hygiene
Before placing or caring for a central line, healthcare professionals must ensure that they are following proper hand hygiene protocols. This includes washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Maximal barrier precautions
To reduce the risk of infection, healthcare professionals must use gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when placing or caring for a central line.
3. Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis
Healthcare professionals should cleanse the patient’s skin before insertion of the catheter using chlorhexidine gluconate solution to reduce microorganisms on the patient’s skin.
4. Optimal site selection
When selecting a site for the central line, healthcare professionals must select the least hazardous location to reduce potential complications or infection risks.
5. Avoiding femoral sites
Femoral sites are generally reserved for emergencies due to the increased risk of infection and other complications associated with this insertion site.
6. Proper catheter maintenance
Healthcare professionals should regularly check the catheter for any signs of irritation, redness, or swelling that may indicate an infection has occurred to take quick action if necessary.
7. Removal when no longer needed
Prompt removal of any unnecessary catheters is essential to reduce the risk of infection and improve patient safety and comfort.