From the Guidelines
Filtered water should be used for all purposes in the NICU population, including drinking, mixing formula, and preparing medications, to minimize the risk of waterborne infections. The use of filtered water is crucial in the NICU due to the immature immune systems of premature infants and their increased susceptibility to infections 1.
Key Considerations
- The recommended filtration level is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but it is generally accepted that a filtration level of 0.2 microns is effective in removing most bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Implementing point-of-use filters on all water outlets in the NICU, including sinks and ice machines, can help ensure that water used for patient care is free from contaminants.
- Regular maintenance of these filters, such as changing them every 14 to 31 days, is essential to maintain their effectiveness.
Infection Control
- Waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella, and mycobacteria can pose significant risks to the NICU population, and using filtered water can help minimize these risks 1.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) recommend decontaminating the water supply and using water that is not contaminated with Legionella spp. for patient care 1.
Alternative Options
- In cases where filtered water is temporarily unavailable, such as during maintenance or emergencies, bottled sterile water can be used as an alternative.
- It is essential to prioritize the highest level of water purity available to ensure the safety of NICU patients, and using filtered water is a critical component of infection control practices in the NICU environment.
From the Research
Use of Filtered Water in NICU
The use of filtered water in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) population is crucial in preventing nosocomial waterborne infections.
- Filtered water can reduce the risk of infection transmission from contaminated water sources, such as tap water, sinks, and faucets 2, 3.
- The implementation of point-of-use (POU) filters can effectively remove pathogenic bacteria, including Legionella, Pseudomonas, and Mycobacterium, from water samples 4, 5.
- The use of filtered water is particularly important in NICUs, where neonates are susceptible to infections due to their immature immune systems and low birth weights 2, 6.
Benefits of Filtered Water
The benefits of using filtered water in NICUs include:
- Reduced risk of nosocomial waterborne infections 2, 3
- Effective removal of pathogenic bacteria from water samples 4, 5
- Protection of high-risk patients, such as neonates, from waterborne pathogens 5
- Minimization of waterborne diseases in hospitals and improvement of patient care 4
Infection Control Measures
In addition to using filtered water, other infection control measures can be implemented in NICUs, including: