An evidence-based catheter bundle alters central venous catheter strategy in newborn infants.

Objective: To assess whether introduction of an evidence-based percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICC) care bundle reduced the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), thus altering the comparative risk of CLABSI in infants.

Study Design: This retrospective cohort study included all infants for whom an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) was placed as part of routine care between Jan 1, 2006, and Dec 31, 2009, a period during which standardized PICC insertion and care bundles were introduced. Duration of UVC use was divided in ≤ 7 days and >7 days.