How can central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) be reduced in the NICU?

• A. Strict aseptic technique during line care, regular dressing changes, timely line removal, and minimizing line manipulations.
• B. Increase line manipulations to ensure patency.
• C. Delay dressing changes to reduce disruption.
• D. Use only clean gloves without sterile technique.

Answer: (C)

Preventing CLABSI in the NICU hinges on keeping everything around the central line as sterile as possible and reducing every opportunity for bacteria to enter. The best approach is to follow a cohesive care bundle: perform thorough hand hygiene, use sterile technique for every line access and dressing change, change dressings promptly when they are damp, loose, or soiled, and remove the central line as soon as it is no longer needed. Minimizing line manipulations also lowers risk by reducing the number of times the hub and connections are touched or exposed to the environment.

Delaying dressing changes, increasing line handling, or using only clean gloves without sterile technique would all raise the chance of contamination and infection, which is why they are not appropriate strategies.