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
Related Patient Safety Checklists
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- Patient Discharge Planning Checklist - FREE Download
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- Patient Identification Audit - FREE Download
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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 does the Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 46 inspection items across 7 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. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly / quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Healthcare Infection Control Audit Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Infection Preventionist / Quality Manager professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.