Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist
Complete this infection control audit to assess compliance with infection prevention practices. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) affect 1 in 31 hospital patients daily.
- Industry: Healthcare
- Frequency: Monthly / Quarterly
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: Infection Preventionist / Quality Manager
- Total Items: 46
- Compliance: CDC Guidelines, CMS CoP, TJC IC Standards, UK NHS IPC, WHO Core Components
Hand Hygiene Compliance
Assess hand hygiene practices per WHO 5 Moments.
- Hand hygiene stations accessible at point of care?
- Alcohol-based hand rub dispensers functional and stocked?
- Sinks have soap, paper towels, and running water?
- Staff perform hand hygiene before patient contact?
- Staff perform hand hygiene after patient contact?
- Staff perform hand hygiene after touching patient surroundings?
- Staff free of artificial nails and nail polish?
- Hand jewelry removed or compliant with policy?
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Assess proper PPE selection and use.
- PPE readily available outside isolation rooms?
- Gloves worn appropriately (not worn continuously)?
- Gowns used for substantial contact with body fluids?
- Masks worn correctly (covering nose and mouth)?
- Eye protection used when splashes anticipated?
- N95 respirators fit-tested for staff using them?
- Staff demonstrate proper donning/doffing sequence?
- PPE disposed of properly after use?
Transmission-Based Precautions
Verify isolation protocols are followed.
- Appropriate isolation signage posted on doors?
- Contact precautions implemented correctly (MDRO, C. diff)?
- Droplet precautions implemented correctly (flu, pertussis)?
- Airborne precautions implemented (TB, measles, COVID)?
- Negative pressure rooms functional for airborne isolation?
- Patient wears mask during transport from isolation?
- Dedicated or single-use equipment for isolation patients?
Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection
Assess cleaning practices and surface disinfection.
- High-touch surfaces cleaned per schedule?
- EPA-registered disinfectants used correctly?
- Disinfectant contact time observed?
- Terminal cleaning performed at discharge?
- Sporicidal agents used for C. diff rooms?
- Cleaning logs maintained and current?
- Enhanced disinfection (UV/H2O2) used when indicated?
Sharps Safety & Bloodborne Pathogen Prevention
Assess sharps handling and disposal practices.
- Sharps containers available at point of use?
- Sharps containers not filled beyond fill line?
- No two-handed needle recapping observed?
- Safety-engineered sharps devices used?
- Needlestick exposure protocol posted and known?
- Staff trained on sharps injury prevention?
Invasive Device Care (CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP)
Assess care bundles for invasive devices.
- Central line insertion bundle followed?
- Daily review of line necessity documented?
- Central line dressings clean, dry, intact?
- Urinary catheter bundle followed?
- Catheter indication documented and appropriate?
- Ventilator bundle followed (head elevation, oral care)?
Surveillance & Reporting
Infection surveillance and outbreak response.
- HAI data tracked and reported to NHSN?
- Outbreak investigation plan in place?
- Antibiogram reviewed and updated annually?
- Antimicrobial stewardship program active?
Related Healthcare Checklists
- Patient Discharge Planning Checklist
- Patient Transport Checklist
- Patient Identification Audit
- Pressure Injury Prevention
- Healthcare Emergency Response Drill Checklist
- Clinical Laboratory Safety Inspection Checklist
- Surgical Instrument Sterility
- Pharmacy Compounding USP 797
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Why Use This Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist?
This healthcare infection control audit checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for infection preventionist / quality manager professionals, this checklist covers 46 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly / quarterly.
Ensures compliance with CDC Guidelines, CMS CoP, TJC IC Standards, UK NHS IPC, WHO Core Components, India NABH. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist?
A Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by infection preventionist / quality manager to ensure consistent healthcare operations. It contains 62 inspection points organized into 7 sections. FREE PDF download: Comprehensive 55+ point infection control audit checklist for healthcare facilities. Covers CDC Standard Precautions, transmission-based precautions, hand hygiene compliance, PPE usage, environmental cleaning, and sharps safety. Multi-market compliance: US CDC/CMS, UK NHS IPC, WHO Core Components, India NABH. Essential for hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
How often should I use this healthcare checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed monthly / quarterly. Regular use ensures compliance with CDC Guidelines and CMS CoP and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 62 fields across 7 sections and typically takes 45-60 minutes to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with CDC Guidelines, CMS CoP, TJC IC Standards, UK NHS IPC, WHO Core Components, India NABH. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this healthcare inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Facility Name, Unit/Department Audited, Audit Date, and Auditor Name. Work through each of the 7 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Finally, complete the footer fields and add your signature. The entire process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
What are the key sections in this healthcare checklist?
This healthcare checklist is organized into 7 key sections: Hand Hygiene Compliance, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Transmission-Based Precautions, Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection, Sharps Safety & Bloodborne Pathogen Prevention, Invasive Device Care (CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP), Surveillance & Reporting. Each section contains specific inspection points that infection preventionist / quality manager must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during healthcare inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 45-60 minutes to complete.
Who should use this Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist?
This checklist is primarily designed for infection preventionist / quality manager working in healthcare operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that healthcare standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.