Central Line Bundle Audit

Audit template for verifying central line bundle compliance, including hand hygiene, chlorhexidine skin antisepsis, maximal barrier precautions, dressing integrity, and ongoing line necessity assessment.

Audit Details

• Audit type selected
  Identify whether this is an insertion audit, maintenance audit, or chart review.
• Unit / location documented
  Record the patient care unit, room, or procedure area where the audit was performed.
• Central line type identified
  Document the catheter type being observed or reviewed.
• Patient record or line identifier documented
  Enter a non-sensitive identifier per facility policy; do not enter full patient identifiers if not required.
• Auditor name recorded
  Name or role of the person completing the audit.

Hand Hygiene and Aseptic Technique

• Hand hygiene performed immediately before line access or insertion
  Verify hand hygiene was completed before any catheter manipulation, dressing change, or insertion step.
• Appropriate hand hygiene method used
  Confirm the method used was appropriate for the task and local policy.
• Aseptic non-touch technique maintained
  Verify sterile or clean critical parts were not contaminated during access, dressing change, or insertion support.
• Alcohol or approved disinfectant used to scrub the hub / needleless connector
  Verify the access port was disinfected before each access per facility policy.
• Observed hand hygiene compliance rating
  Rate overall hand hygiene compliance observed during the audit.

Insertion Bundle Compliance

• Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis used before insertion
  Verify skin preparation was performed with chlorhexidine-based antiseptic unless contraindicated by policy or patient factors.
• Antiseptic allowed to dry fully before puncture
  Verify the antiseptic contact time and drying time were observed before insertion or dressing application.
• Maximal sterile barrier precautions used
  Select all barrier precautions observed during insertion.
• Insertion site maintained sterile throughout procedure
  Verify the insertion field remained sterile and was not contaminated during the procedure.
• Insertion checklist completed by team
  Confirm the insertion checklist or time-out documentation was completed per facility policy.

Maintenance Bundle and Dressing Integrity

• Dressing is clean, dry, and intact
  Inspect the dressing for moisture, looseness, soilage, lifting edges, or visible contamination.
• Dressing change date and time visible and current
  Verify the dressing label is present and the change interval is within policy.
• Chlorhexidine-impregnated dressing used when indicated
  Confirm use of CHG-impregnated dressing or sponge when required by policy or patient risk criteria.
• Catheter securement device intact
  Verify the line is secured to reduce movement and accidental dislodgement.
• Insertion site free of redness, drainage, or tenderness
  Assess for signs of local infection or phlebitis at the insertion site.

Line Necessity and Ongoing Review

• Ongoing need for central line documented daily
  Verify the chart includes a daily assessment of whether the central line remains clinically necessary.
• Line removal considered when no longer indicated
  Confirm there is evidence the team reviewed prompt removal when the line was no longer needed.
• Alternative access or therapy plan documented when applicable
  Verify an alternative plan exists if the central line is no longer required or if complications are present.