Quality and Outcomes Reports - Neonatology

Central Venous Line Infection Rate

Why we measure it - Central venous lines are commonly used in intensive care units to provide medications and fluids and are one of the primary sources for infections.

What this means - This graph reflects our low number of central venous line infections. This is a result of our efforts to control the incidence of hospital acquired infections. Babies with fewer infections have better long-term outcomes and shorter lengths of stay.

About the data – The graph reflects the number of infections in the NICU per 1,000 line days.

Related dimensions of care:

What we're doing to provide the best care:

  • Children's Hospital is one of 29 pediatric hospitals participating in a national collaborative aimed at reducing the number of Blood Stream Infections in an intensive care environment. Our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit physicians serve as national faculty experts on this collaborative. Based upon the findings and successes of this initiative, the key lessons will be applied to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as well.
  • We provide a hand-washing station for all visitors at the entrance of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
  • We restrict visitors with cold or other respiratory symptoms.
  • Our caregivers wash their hands before caring for every patient.
  • We provide hand sanitizer near every patient bed.

Patients and families:

  • During viral season, typically from November through April, we have an infection control visitation policy to help prevent the spread of germs. During this time, no child younger than 2 years old can visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, with the exception of siblings. Also, all visitors between 2 and 12 years of age must wear a mask when in the NICU. 
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before visiting your child and frequently during your visit.
  • If any family member has a runny nose, cough, fever, diarrhea, rash or other infectious disease, please do not allow that person to visit the hospital.
  • If any family member has been exposed to chicken pox within the past 21 days and never had it before, please do not allow them to visit.
  • Be sure all children visiting are well and up to date on their immunizations.
  • Do not touch, hold, pick up, change or feed any child but your own.

Referring physicians:

  • Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
  • Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based 
    e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
    e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families.
  • Care guidelines for medical professionals
  • Educational materials
  • Pocket Directory

If you have questions about this information, email us or call (414) 266-6556.