Safety with central lines

August 9, 2021

Central lines come as more than one type, and not everyone will be familiar with every type, and some may not have seen one at all.  It is therefore important to understand the dangers these lines can pose to patients.

The central lines learning alert highlights the importance of ensuring that you do have the right skills and competence to carry out tasks you are asked to undertake.

DON’T:

• Use a central line if you are not familiar with them
• Leave central lines unclamped and uncapped at the same time/ when not in use.

DO:

• Contact outreach/CCS for guidance/ support regarding sampling from all types of central lines
• Ensure responsibility is delegated appropriately
• Ensure you are trained and competent to carry out central line related tasks
• Make sure all colleagues are aware of this safety notice.

Remember it’s okay to ask for help, guidance or to be shown how to do something within your sphere of capability