Protocol for central line care in intensive care unit

Abstract

A central line is an IV (intravenous) line that goes into a large blood vessel near the center of the body. Central lines are used for giving medications, fluids, IV nutrition and drawing blood. The central line is usually placed in the chest area. Part of the line goes under the skin and enters a blood vessel several inches away. This type of line is called a tunnelled central line. The central line may have a single or double lumen. A single lumen central line has one opening or tube. A double lumen line has two separate tubes within one tubing. There are three veins where we can insert the central line i.e. Internal jugular vein, subclavian vein, femoral vein. [1].