Home Care After Central Venous Line Removal

Your child will need to remain at St. Jude for one (1) hour after the central line is removed.  

After removing the central line, staff will apply a sterile dressing and antibiotic ointment.  

It is common for a small amount (dime-sized) of blood to appear on the dressing. If there is an increase in bleeding or if you have concerns, please return to the surgery clinic.  

Your child may leave the hospital after one (1) hour if you have no concerns. 

Care of the exit site

A sterile dressing and antibiotic ointment have been applied to the exit site. 

Keep this dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. 

If the dressing gets wet: 

• Remove the dressing.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Dry the area.
• Apply another sterile dressing. 
• Leave the dressing on for the remainder of the 48 hours. Do not apply more antibiotic ointment. 

Bathing

For the first 48 hours after the line has been removed, your child should continue to bathe as if the line were still in place. Avoid getting the dressing wet. 

After 48 hours, remove the dressing and wash the exit site with soap and water. 

Avoid soaking the exit site for one (1) week. 

After one (1) week, your child may bathe and swim as usual. 

Activity

For the first 24 hours after the line has been removed, keep to light activities (no running or rough play).   

After 24 hours, your child may resume normal activities.

Contact your care team if you have any questions or concerns. 

Always follow the instructions given by your care team.