Babies who are considered an infectious hazard to other babies in the nursery should be placed in isolation.

For infants in isolation, an easily visible sign should notify anyone approaching the bedside about the type of isolation (airborne, droplet, or contact precautions) in effect. An isolation cart (if indicated) is ordered from the Service Center. Whenever possible, the nursing staff assigned to a baby in isolation should remain in isolation for the entire workday.

All persons are to handwash, gown, glove, and mask (if indicated) before handling the patient in isolation. When there is more than one baby in isolation, you must wash your hands and change your gown and gloves between babies. Separate equipment, such as tape, etc., should be used for each baby to prevent cross contamination. If equipment cannot be dedicated, it should be disinfected after use. Upon leaving the bedside of a baby in isolation, all gowns, gloves, and masks should be removed and discarded, and hands washed.

If a baby is identified as needing isolation which requires a private room, one will be provided. Infants affected by the same contagious microorganism may be cohorted.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. The Red Book, 25^th edition, 2000. pgs. 127-134. www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/Guide/guide.htm

For further details of the isolation protocol, see the OSHA Infection Control Manual or the NICU Nursing Guidelines 40:08.02.