Decreasing the Incidence of Central Line-associated Blood Stream Infections Using Alcohol-impregnated Port Protectors in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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The incidence of hospital-acquired bacteremia in pediatric and neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) has historically been higher than in adult ICUs. This is especially true for very low birth weight infants who are at high risk for these infections due to their immature immune systems, need for invasive monitoring and supportive care, and extended hospitalizations. In early 2009, an increase in the incidence of Central line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSIs) was identified in the hospital level III NICU.