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AbstractObjective:Optimizing needleless connector hub disinfection practice is a key strategy in central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention. In this mixed-methods evaluation, 3 products with varying scrub times were tested for experimental disinfection followed by a qualitative nursing assessment of each.Methods:Needleless connectors were inoculated with varying concentrations of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Staphylococcus aureusfollowed by disinfection with a 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipe (a 15-second scrub time and a 15-second dry time), a 70% IPA cap (a 10-second scrub time and a 5-second dry time), or a 3.15% chlorhexidine gluconate with 70% IPA (CHG/IPA) wipe (a 5-second scrub time and a 5-second dry time). Cultures of needleless connectors were obtained after disinfection to quantify bacterial reduction. This was followed by surveying a convenience sample of nursing staff with intensive care unit assignments at an academic tertiary hospital on use of each product.Results:All products reduced overall bacterial burden when compared to sterile water controls, however the IPA and CHG/IPA wipes were superior to the IPA caps when product efficacy was compared. Nursing staff noted improved compliance with CHG/IPA wipes compared with the IPA wipes and the IPA caps, with many preferring the lesser scrub and dry times required for disinfection.Conclusion:Achieving adequate bacterial disinfection of needleless connectors while maximizing healthcare staff compliance with scrub and dry times may be best achieved with a combination CHG/IPA wipe.

AbstractObjective:Healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HABSIs) are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population. Our objectives were to review the epidemiology of HABSIs in our NICU and to examine the applicability of National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions to the NICU population.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of all neonates admitted to the 54-bed, level IV NICU at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital with a HABSI between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018. Clinical definitions per NICU team and NHSN site-specific definitions used for source identification were compared using the McNemar χ2test.Results:We identified 86 HABSIs with an incidence rate of 0.80 per 1,000 patient days. Only 13% of these were CLABSIs. Both CLABSIs and non–catheter-related bloodstream infections occurred primarily in preterm neonates, but the latter were associated with a significantly higher incidence of comorbidities and the need for respiratory support. The NHSN definitions were less likely to identify a source compared to the clinical definitions agreed upon by our NICU treating team (P< .001). Furthermore, 50% of patients without an identified source of infection by NHSN definitions were bacteremic with a mucosal barrier injury organism, likely from gut translocation.Conclusions:HABSIs occur primarily in premature infants with comorbidities, and CLABSIs account for a small proportion of these infections. With the increasing focus on HABSI prevention, there is a need for better NHSN site-specific definitions for the NICU population to prevent misclassification and direct prevention efforts.