Neonates are at Risk from Contaminated Healthcare Water

Healthcare Water is a Risk to Patients

The in-premise hospital water system is a significant source of microbial contamination contributing to the healthcare-associated infection rate. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality especially among high-risk and immunocompromised patients such as neonates.

Various complex and interactive factors are predictive of water system microbial contamination and the subsequent potential patient morbidity and mortality. In many countries, it is mandatory to complete Healthcare Water Safety Plans, and there are multiple published national regulations and guidance documents^6-18. Despite the infection prevention efforts set in place, waterborne HAI rates continue to rise.

Neonates are at Risk from Contaminated Healthcare Water

A fetus is normally sterile for as long as the amniotic membrane remains intact. Usually the first acquired microflora of the skin, nose, mouth and conjunctiva is from the mother’s birth canal during normal vaginal delivery, however the local environment is also very important as a source of microflora. In the NICU this environmental flora is frequently multidrug resistant as development and survival of these organisms has taken place under the selective pressure of antibiotic usage^24-26.

Neonatal defense mechanisms are not well developed, particularly in the premature neonate, and some microorganisms may become opportunistic pathogens. For example, waterborne gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter, Serratia marcescens and Acinetobacter baumannii can colonize the neonate, which is generally the pre-requisite for infection with these pathogens. An understanding of the waterborne risk factors associated with HAI is essential to design and maintain preventive strategies in the neonatal population^27-30.

Infection Prevention and Cost-Savings with Point-of-Use Water Filtration

Pall Water Filter technologies are simple to implement as a water system management adjunct, are complementary to systemic disinfection techniques and allow for continuity of care in areas where critical contamination of the water and/or water outlet has been identified.

Several studies show costs for a healthcare-associated infection ranging from approximately $900 - $130,000, with waterborne and gram-negative infections much higher (more typically within a range of $33,000-$60,000 ^36-43). Based on this and the study by Trautmann (2 n).⁷⁸ which showed 7.6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections per 100 patient admissions were prevented following installation of Pall Point-of-Use (POU) Water Filters, we have calculated using a conservative estimate of only $7,000 per healthcare-associated waterborne infection that the average United States (US) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) could achieve net savings of approximately $143,862.50 following filter installation.

Learn More about Cost-Savings with Point-of-Use Water Filtration

In this brochure you will learn:

• The cost of waterborne healthcare-associated infection

• Actions that can be taken to mitigate risk

• The financial benefits of using Pall Point-of-Use Water Filters

Download the Cost-Savings with Point-of-Use Water Filtration Brochure

 *Please see references in the document.