Clinical audit on infection control of catheter-related bloodstream infection in neonatal ICU

Introduction Intravascular catheters are indispensable in modern‑day medical practice, particularly in neonatal ICU (NICU). Although such catheters provide necessary vascular access, their use puts patients at risk for local and systemic infection complications. Patients and methods The study included 100 newborns, admitted to NICU at Assiut University Hospital, for whom umbilical venous catheter was inserted during the first week of life. Evaluation was done for all newborns for appropriateness of steps of infection control measures before, during, and after fixation of umbilical catheter. The included cases were followed during the period of admission till discharge. Results Infection control measures before umbilical catheter fixation were done 100%. During umbilical catheter fixation, the measures were defective in 100% in the form of defective use of a large drape to cover patient in sterile fashion as well as defective use of face mask. After fixation, only 20% did not maintain sterile technique while applying dressing. Conclusion Infection control measures must be appropriately done with special attention for defective steps during and after fixation. The decision to insert a central line should always be carefully considered for every newborn individually, and the benefits must be weighed against the risks.