PICC line dressing changes in the NICU

[Nurse Ali]

I am a nursing student doing my final rotation in the NICU. At the facility I'm at, they have a protocol for changing PICC line dressings every 3 days. For my final project I want to try and get this protocol changed. I was wondering if there is any research out there to support and increase risk of infection related to dresssing changes being done too frequently. I was also wondering what the normal protocol is in other NICU's.

Any information or links any of you could provide would be great. Thanks!

[Shawn Hong]

As you all know, the Biopatch is contra-indicated for anyone under the age of 16. However, there are alot of hospitals that have started to utilize Biopatch in the NICU due to some anecdotal reports of successful use. There is still a high percentage of skin breakdown from the CHG in the biopatch which can complicate the situation.

If any of you would like to look into a silver anti-microbial patch that is 100% hypoallergenic, approved for 7 day use, comes in a 1/2" disc (no one else offers this size), FDA approved for use from Neonates - Geriatrics without any skin sensitivity issues, and 1/2 the cost of biopatch let me know.

The product is called Silverlon Mini-Lifesaver and is 100% safe for use on Neonates. Even killls MRSA within 30 min to an hour.

Shawn