Background

• Skin care in newborn infants is important to maintain temperature control, fluid balance, and reduce the risk of infection.
• As newborn skin is very permeable, there is a significant risk from absorption of topical compounds.
• In addition, some components of topical preparations may injure the fragile skin of preterm infants.
• Remember that disinfectants provide most effective cleansing when they have dried.

Procedures

• For the purposes of this guideline, the following definitions are used:

Major procedures

• longline insertion
• UAC/UVC insertion
• chest drain insertion
• other sterile surgical procedures

Minor procedures

• IV insertion
• IM injection
• heel blood sampling

Infants ≥1000g

All ages

• Major procedures: Chlorhexidine 0.5% in alcohol 70% (Riotane)
• Minor procedures: Alcohol wipes

Infants <1000g

Week 1

• Major procedures: Chlorhexidine 0.1%
• Minor procedures: Chlorhexidine 0.1%

Week 2

• Major procedures: Chlorhexidine 0.1%
• Minor procedures: Alcohol wipes

Week 3 and beyond

• Major procedures: Chlorhexidine 0.5% in alcohol 70% (Riotane)
• Minor procedures: Alcohol wipes

SURGICAL OPERATIONS IN STARSHIP OPERATING THEATRES FOR INFANTS <1000G & <2 WEEKS AGE

SEND SKIN PREP = CHORHEXIDINE 0.1% TO THEATRE WITH THE BABY