https://www.lhsc.on.

ca/critical-care-trauma-centre/arterial-and-central-venous-assessment-
maintenance-and-dressing-change

Quality and Safety Information for Vascular Access

Central line infections are associated with increased length of stay, morbidity and mortality and
hospital costs. The prevention of blood stream infections requires a multi-pronged and multi-team
approach to reduce risks during insertion, dressing changes and access of any intravascular device.
Click here for our insertion and maintenance bundles and for a copy of the Central Venous and
Arterial Line Insertion Checklist and Procedure Record.

In addition to strict adherence to aseptic technique and sterile field during arterial and central
venous line insertion, adequate prep and "no-touch technique after prepping" is also required for
peripheral IVs, venipunctures and when accessing any intravascular device (e.g., during line flushing,
medication administration or continuous infusion of IV therapy). When a patient has a central line in
place, any vascular site can become the portal of entry for an organism that will seed on an
indwelling device.

Important Known Risk Factors for Central Line Infection:

Lines placed during resuscitation efforts or other life-saving interventions (including peripheral)

Inadequate port prep when accessing any intravascular device

Inadequate flushing of intravascular devices after medication administration (2 X 10 ml flushes per

port is recommended using stop-start turbulent technique)

Positional arterial lines

Equipment Required for Dressing Change with Central Venous and Arterial Line Dressing Tray:

1 Central Venous and Arterial Line Dressing Tray

1 No-sting barrier swab stick (CavilonTM)

1 Extra Chorhexidine 2% and 70% alcohol swab

1 Pair of sterile gloves

1 Securement device for unsutured lines

1 CHG transparent dressing

Sterile clipper head if hair removal is required

Optional: a 10 ml sterile saline syringe may be required if there is a lot of drainage at the insertion
site. The syringe can be emptied into the dressing tray and used with 2X2 gauze.

* if a second person will be assisting, a face shield, cap and non-sterile gown is required.

Procedure

1.

Dressing Type

The preferred dressing for arterial and central venous lines is a transparent dressing with CHG pad

Unsutured lines require the use of a securement device; this is changed with each dressing change

Lines that are actively oozing or where occlusivity cannot be maintained using a transparent dressing
should be dressed with a gauze dressing and tape

All PICC lines are unsutured

We are currently evaluating sutureless strategies for central lines (See Instructions)

Avoid the use of bulky dressings on any vascular access device (including post removal)

Do not wrap dressing material or tape circumferentially around an arterial line site.

Allergies:

Check for allergies prior to doing dressing and obtain plain transparent dressing or gauze if patient
has a CHG allergy.

The most common cause for contact dermatitis is inadequate dry time for CHG prep. If you suspect
an allergy to CHG, apply a small test area on the inner arm to confirm/refute allergy.

Notes:

There is evidence of reduced CLI rates when transparent dressing containing a CHG gel pad are used.

Transparent dressings allow daily visualization of the site to identify signs of potential infection.

They also protect the site from pathogens while allowing some of the moisture to be drawn away
through the "breathable" membrane.

Bulky or pressure dressings will not stop bleeding from a vascular device but will delay the detection
of serious bleeding. Gauze dressings do not allow site visualization. Circumferential dressings
around a wrist can compromise circulation of the hand.

2.

Dressing Change Frequency

Transparent Dressings
Change all TRANSPARENT arterial and central venous line dressings Q 7 days (transparent) and PRN
to maintain occlusivity

Change dressings if CHG pad feels "boggy" to touch or is significantly swollen (pad does not need to
be changed if it contains blood unless the volume of fluid in the gel pad is large or lifting the
dressing)

Gauze Dressings

Change all GAUZE arterial and central venous dressings DAILY and PRN

If using tape and gauze on central/arterial lines dressing should be changed daily.

Change any dressing that has loosened or lost its occlusive properties.

Notes:

Daily site inspection is a standard supported by CDC and Safethealthcare Now. If transparent
dressings are not being used (which allow for site visualization), dressings should be changed daily to
allow site inspection and/or to remove moist dressings.

Due to poor skin integrity, diaphoresis etc, dressing changes are done q48hr and prn to remove skin
colonization. If the patient is stable with good skin condition, Tegaderm dressings may be left in
place for 7 days (per hospital policy).

There is no evidence that routine line change dates decrease infection rates; insertion of a new line
poses a risk for introducing infection. Lines are changed when evidence of redness or infection is
present. The risk for central line infection due to arterial line source increases when arterial lines are
in place longer than 5 days or are positional.

3.

Confirmation of Vascular access:

All newly inserted arterial or central venous catheters (including IJ, SC or femoral) must be
connected to pressure monitoring and a copy of the waveform posted to the chart. A blood gas is
also required.

All established arterial or central venous catheters (including IJ, SC or femoral) in patients newly
admitted must be connected to pressure monitoring and a copy of the waveform posted to the
chart. A blood gas is also required.

Chest Xray is required following insertion and admission of a patient with an established line for all
upper limb central venous lines (including admission from the OR).

Safety:

Infusion pumps will continue to run without alarming if a catheter is intra-arterial instead of
intravenous.

If an intended central venous catheter has inadvertently been placed into an artery, the waveform
will not be visible unless the diastolic blood pressure reading is lower than the top of the scale.

If you cannot identify a waveform in a newly inserted central venous line, increase the scale to 200
to see if a waveform is visible.

All intravascular catheters should display a waveform appropriate to tip location. If no waveform
cannot be displayed (despite troubleshooting and expanding the scale size), the line should not be
used until the catheter location can be confirmed. Interstitial or intrathoracic placement needs to be
ruled-out.

Remember that the tip of a double or triple lumen can be intravascular, but if the catheter is pulled
back enough the proximal lumens can be simultaneously interstitial.

If a central venous catheter cannot be identified on Chest Xray, rule out intracranial migration of the
catheter.

Notes:
Confirmation of venous placement is required for all IJ, SC and Femoral venous lines to rule out
arterial placement. This cannot be done by Xray or ultrasound alone.

Inadvertent intraarterial infusion of vasoactive drugs can be limb or life-threatening.

Chest Xray is done to identify tip location and to rule out complications such as hemo or
pneumothorax.

A central venous catheter waveform should be examined to rule out arterial waveform (inadvertent
arterial placement) or RV waveform (catheter advanced to deeply).

Central venous monitoring is also required on an ongoing basis to evaluate hemodynamic status.
Data trends compared to patient response over time are the most important parameters. CVP
readings can be compared to bedside echocardiography findings to help identify optimal pressure
targets.

4.

Routine Assessment and Monitoring

At the start of each shift and Q4H

Inspect insertion site and surrounding area for signs of redness, discharge, bleeding and catheter
kinkage/disrutpion

Inspect dressing integrity

Palpate the Gel pad for bogginess. Inspect the insertion site around the catheter for swelling,
tenderness or crepitus.

to determine Determine the amount of exposed catheter at the skin surface if the catheter is not
fully advanced

Assess distal extremity for color, circulation, motion and swelling

Whenever possible, keep dressings exposed or minimize the amount of linen (e.g., a light sheet) that
is covering any vascular device to promptly detect bleeding. Check under linens frequently for signs
of bleeding and monitor waveform continuously for dampening.

Determine any line issues (e.g. positional) and/or insertion bundle compliance concerns. Report to
team and document plans for resolution.

Review the ongoing need for arterial and central venous lines during team rounds each day.

Lines inserted during an emergency procedure where prep time may have been shortened or other
breaks in aseptic technique may have occurred should be changed as soon as possible after initial
resuscitation (including those inserted in the OR).

Notes:

All insertion sites must be assessed on an ongoing basis for signs of infection, bleeding, thrombosis,
interstitial placement or, catehter migration.

Crepitus or air in the IV tubing could indicate a cracked catheter or hub or untightened luer lock end.
Crepitus can also indicate infection.

Swelling or impaired circulation distal to an arterial line could indicate limb ischemia due to arterial
occlusion from the catheter, from a thrombus or a hematoma.

Swelling or impaired circulation distal to a central venous catheter could indicate thrombosis or
hematoma (hematoma could also compromise surrounding arterial flow).

Hemorrhage can be extensive and rapid from a disconnected or dislodged arterial or central venous
catheter. Signficant blood loss can occur under a thick dressing or layer of blankets.

Central venous and arterial lines are indicated if ongoing resuscitation, vasoactive agent infusion or
ventilator changes are required. When a patient no longer requires central venous access, CVP
monitoring, frequent blood gases or close blood pressure monitoring, consider changing a central
venous line to a PICC or conversion to peripheral IVs.

Positional arterial lines, inadquate line anchoring, inadequate flushing and thrombosis are all
important risk factors for central venous blood stream infections.
Insertion and Q Shift Vascular Device Assessment and Documentation

To identify lines at risk for central line infection, accurate document of a patient with established
lines is essential. Documentation should identify where the line was inserted (e.g., in CCTC or
another unit/facility), if there is documentation of compliance with the central line insertion bundle
or if there were observed breaks in aseptic technique.

If there is no documentation to confirm that aseptic technique was maintained or there were
observed breaks in aseptic technique, the line should be flagged as having "issues for review". This
needs to be reported in the following morning rounds and the plans for the line documented.

Confirmation of line placement by blood gas and pressure monitoring upon insertion/admission is
documented in the graphic record (ScvO2), by printout of the waveform and in a DAR note by the
RN. The RN is also also records the name of the physician who reviewed the Chest Xray to comfirm
completion.

The individual who performed the insertion is required to document confirmation of central venous
line placement as well as the results of the Chest Xray (for upper limb central venous lines) at the
bottom of the Central Venous and Arterial Line Checklist and Procedure Record.

Communicating and Closing the Loop

The critical care nurse is expected to identify lines that may need replacement and report issues
during morning rounds (or earlier if urgent replacement is required).

The plan for this line should be documented in the AI record under "Plan of Care". If the plan is not
completed on the current shift, it is important to communicate this information to the oncoming
shift and to document in the AI record the plan status. If the line change is deferred to the following
day, the issue should be presented during morning rounds.
If decisions are made to leave a line in place, there should be physician documentation in the
progress note to support the decision. .

Refer to the Nursing Documentation Standards for line tracking information.

5.

Prepare for Dressing Change

LHSC Procedure for Central Venous or Arterial Line Dressing Changes:

Non-sterile gown, cap and mask with eye shield is required by anyone within one meter of field.

The dressing should be performed using aseptic technique. This includes preparing the tray using
the transfer forceps to add sterile supplies.

A sterile field should be created using drapes provided in the tray.

Sterile gloves are worn following removal of the dressing and must be worn any touching of the
catheter site. Caution should be taken to prevent glove contamination.

Prior to starting, perform a bedside assessment to determine if the patient requires sedation or if an
extra pair of hands will be needed to maintain patient positioning and prevent contamination of the
sterile field.

The patient should be positioned so that the full area under the dressing is visible and the patient
can remain still during the prep time.
When changing an IJ dressing, the ETT or trach ties should be removed on the side of the dressing. If
it is not safe to undo the AnchorFast on that side without assistance, request RRT assistance. The
entire field needs to be fully exposed to faciliate successful dressing application.

Once the dressing has been applied, the AnchorFast tie can be reconnected and gently positioned on
top of the dressing with the lumen over the top of the ties. This enhances adhession (improves with
heat and friction) and takes some of the weight from the catheter lumens off the top of the dressing.

If adhesive tape is being used, the tape should not be place over-top of a CVC and care must be
taken to ensure it does not slide under the dressing or disrupt it.

Hair should be clipped during the dressing change to enhance adhesion, Shaving is contraindicated.

6.

Prepare Tray

Peform hand hygiene

Open tray at bedside

Don cap, gown, face mask with eye shield

Open sterile tray. Maintain aseptic technique and use the overwrap to create a sterile field.

Open sterile supplies and add to the tray using transfer forceps (don't open and drop them onto the
field):

Dressing

Securement device

CHG swab (2 are included with Central Venous and Arterial Line Dressing Tray)

If patient has a lot of drainage, add sterile normal saline for a sterile field

Open the top of the no-sting barrier film (Cavilon) and loosen the package. Expose approximately 2
inches of stick, leaving moist swab stick in the package. Lean the no-sting barrier film toward the
edge of your sterile field where you can later remove it without contaminating your field (the swab
will dry out if you place it on your tray in advance).

7.

Remove Old Dressing

Don non-sterile glvoes (included in dressing change tray)

Secure the dressing with one hand while gently removing existing dressing starting with the
securement device

If line a sutureless securement device is being used, remove the dressing over the securement
device first.

Remove the securement device using a shoveling movement with the CHG swab.

Once removed, tape the ends of the catheter lumen to the patient maintaining catheter alignment,
with tape placed well beyond the area where the new dressing will be located.

Remove remaining dressing

If hair removal is required, clip using the sterile clipper head prior to skin cleansing.

Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene

8.

Cleanse site:

Don sterile gloves

If site is visibly soiled, cleanse area with saline soaked gauze using metal forcep

Dry saline (if use) with a gauze square before prepping with CHG

Scrub the entire area using 2 - CHG 2% and alcohol 70% swabsticks:

Swab 1:

Use an up and down motion while moving from left to right. Turn the swabstick over and scrub the
same area using a side to side movement.

Swab 2:
Lift the catheter and cleanse the skin underneath using an up and down motion. With the unused
side of swab to cleanse the undersurface of the tubing.

Ensure a minimum of 2 minutes

Apply no-sting barrier film (Cavilon) to area that will be covered by dressing (excluding the area
under the CHG)

Allow the full 1 minute dry time

Notes:

The friction produces during scrubbing loosens epithelial cells and improves skin exposure to
antiseptic solution.

All surfaces of skin and catheter should be cleaned.

The most common cause of skin burns and redness is the application of the dressing before the prep
has adequately dried.

Longer than 2 minutes may be required if more than 2 swabs have been used or the skin is visibly
wet.

No-sting barrier film enhances dressing adherence and protects the skin.

Application of no-sting under the CHG pad can cause skin burns.

Cleaning

9.

Apply Dressing:
Apply securement device

Press and smooth edges of device completely

Position the dressing so that the CHG pad is over the insertion site and the dressing extends to cover
the securement device and/or catheter hub.

Gently press the dressing and press toward the edges. DO NOT STRETCH during application.

Remove the dressing border.

Remove the anchor strip (still attached to the border) and position it over the bottom of the dressing
so that it is half on the skin and half on the actual dressing.

The smooth side of the border paper can be rubbed over the dressing toward the edges enhance
adherence.

Date the dressing and update the Kardex.

Notes:

Stretching during application can lead to skin burns.

Smoothing the paper over the dressing after dressing application produces heat and friction which
improves dressing adherence

Successful dressing application takes time, but results in prolonged adherence with less frequent
changes and site exposure over time.

10.

Document

Document the dresssing change and report any abnormal findings to the physician.

Document the plan for abnormal findings.

References
Canadian Patient Safety Institute: (2012). Prevent Central Line Infections. Getting Started Kit.

Centre for Disease Control Guidelines for Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections.
http://www.cd.gov/mmwr/mmwr_rr.htm (August 9, 2002/vol.51/No.RR-10).

Hibbard, J., Mulberry, G., Brady, A. (2002). A clinical study comparing the skin antisepsis and safety
of ChloralPrep, 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, and 2% Aqueous Chlorhexidine. Journal of Infusion Nursing.
25(4), 244-249.

Tarja J. Karpanen PhD et al. 2016). Clinical evaluation of a chlorhexidine intravascular catheter

gel dressing on short-term central venous catheters. AJIC. 44(55-60).

Ullman AJ, Cooke ML, Mitchell M, Lin F, New K, Long DA, Mihala G, Rickard CM. Dressings and
securement devices for central venous catheters (CVC). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
2015, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD010367. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010367.pub2.

http://micunursing.com/central1.htm

ritical Performance Elements yes no

1. Gather all necessary equipment: roll of tape, label, and central line line
dressing kit.

2. Wash hands. Explain procedure to the patient and/or

significant others. Check for providone-iodine or tape allergy.

3. Organize supplies and equipment at bedside to decrease the

amount of time that site is open to air.

4. *** Open central line kit. Don mask. (Don gown if soiling is

likely).

5. Place patient in supine position with head turned away from

catheter insertion site to decrease potential for contamination by

patient’s secretions. Place a mask over the patient’s mouth and nose or
sterile drape over ventilated or trached patient.

6. *** Don a pair of clean gloves.

7. Remove present dressing carefully to minimize trauma and prevent

accidental dislodgment of catheter. Discard soiled dressing in proper trash
receptacle.

8. Visually inspect the skin and catheter site for signs of infection, leakage,
or other mechanical problems.

9. *** Remove soiled gloves and don sterile gloves.

10. *** Working in a circular motion from insertion site outward to edge of
dressing border cleanse skin, insertion site, and distal portion of catheter
with :

a. Providone-iodine scrub swabsticks x 3 - to remove bacteria and fungi.

b. Alcohol swabsticks x 3 - to remove the betadine scrub.

c. Betadine solution swabsticks x 3 to cover a 3" x 6" area from site to

periphery- to provide protective barrier against pathogens. Blot excess
or pooled solution. Allow to dry.

*** For patients with IODINE ALLERGY- If 4% chlorhexidine is used,

remove it with alcohol swabs after a two to five minute dwell time.

11. If a tubing change is necessary:

a. Instruct the patient to perform Valsalva maneuver or hold his/her

breath (or immediately after a ventilator delivers a breath).

b. Quickly disconnect and reconnect the IV tubing ensuring secure

junction.

12. *** Dressing- may use elastoplast or occlusive dressing as follows:

a. Elastoplast:

- place folded 2x2 over insertion site to include sutures to prevent the
tape/ elastoplast from sticking to the line and sutures.

- paint around the edges of the gauze with skin prep and allow to dry.

- cut elastoplast to fit over insertion site and sutures.

- apply elastoplast and secure edges with tape.

b. Occlusive Dressing- (Tegaderm):

- do not use 2x2

- skin prep is optional

- apply occlusive dressing according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

13. *** Loop and secure IV tubing to dressing and arm or chest.

14. *** Label dressing with time, date of dressing change and insertion, and
initials.

15. Discard supplies used. Wash hands.

17. *** Document the dressing change, the condition of the insertion site on
nursing note and flow sheet. Document any problems encountered in
nursing progress notes on.

NOTE: If 2x2 gauze used after initial insertion under occlusive (Tegaderm)
dressing, dressing must be changed in 24 hours.

*** Must perform these critical elements for successful completion.

REFERENCE: Infection Control Manual

Daily Central Line Maintenance Checklist – Template Patient Name/ID#:

____________________________________ Unit: _____________ Room/Bed: __________ Date:
__________ Person Completing Form: Name _________________________ Date of initial line
placement: _____________________________ Date implanted port accessed:
_____________________________ Date injection caps last changed:
__________________________ Date administration set and add-on devices last changed:
__________________ Set used for: Continuous Infusion Intermittent Infusion Date dressing last
changed: __________________ Dressing type: Gauze Clear Critical Steps Yes No N/A
Notes/Comments Necessity assessed If no longer necessary, remove, indicating details of removal in
the records (including date, location, and signature and name of operator undertaking removal).
Injection sites are covered by caps or valved connectors Caps changed today Implanted ports newly
accessed today Accessed with (indicate type and size of needle) Insertion site without evidence of
infection Dressing intact and labeled properly Dressing changed today Catheter stabilized/no tension
on line Administration set replaced and labeled this time? Procedural Reminders Suspected Infection
If central venous catheter infection is strongly suspected, replace catheter and all intravenous fluids,
tubing, and caps. Hand Hygiene Clean hands immediately before and after each episode of patient
contact using the correct hand hygiene technique. (Use World Health Organization “My 5 Moments
for Hand Hygiene”.) Cap Changes Sanitize caps with 2%chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl
alcohol before and after each use (“Scrub the Hub”). Change caps when necessary using sterile
gloves and mask, that is, after administering blood and if there is visual observation of blood in the
caps. Change caps no more often than 72 hours (or according to the manufacturer’s

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=wqxcNyJBgNoC&pg=PA157&lpg=PA157&dq=f+central+line+dr
ess+changeing+nursing+procedure&source=bl&ots=2RdGyOijbG&sig=ACfU3U3Vla94NDjRDY0SiELbj
wAeLMpWRg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjvhLv15a_iAhWN4nMBHUr2CRg4ChDoATAEegQIBxAB#v=
onepage&q=f%20central%20line%20dress%20changeing%20nursing%20procedure&f=false
recommendations and whenever the administration set is changed). Tubing Changes Replace
administration sets and add-on devices no more frequently than every 96 hours, and at least every 7
days, after initiation of use, unless contamination occurs. Replace set and add-on devices within 24
hours of start of infusion if fluids that enhance microbial growth are infused (for example, fat
emulsions combined with amino acids and glucose in three-in-one admixture or blood products
infused separately). Change needleless components as often as the administration set and no more
often than 72 hours. Dressing Changes Change gauze dressing every 2 days, clear dressings every 7

days, unless dressing becomes damp, loosened, or visibly soiled then change. Use sterile gauze or
sterile, transparent, semipermeable dressings. Perform catheter site care using 2% chlorhexidine
gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean the insertion site during dressing changes. © The Joint
Commission. May be adapted for internal use. Suggested citation: The Joint Commission. Preventing
Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections: Useful Tools, An International Perspective. Nov 20,
2013. Accessed [user please fill in access date]. http://www.jointcommission.org/CLABSIToolkit