The Impact of Daily 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Bathing on CLABSI Rates in a Pediatric Medical-Surgical Unit
Advisor(s)
Jamie Craig
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant challenge in pediatric hospitalization, leading to longer stays, increased healthcare costs, and worse patient outcomes. Standard soap-and-water bathing may not sufficiently reduce the bacteria on the skin of patients with central venous catheters. Current evidence suggests that more rigorous antiseptic protocols are necessary to protect vulnerable pediatric populations from preventable CLABSIs.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing, compared to standard soap-and-water bathing, reduces the rate of CLABSIs in pediatric patients with central lines during hospitalization.
Methods: This study will utilize a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test design in a 40-bed pediatric medical-surgical unit. The intervention will involve replacing soap-and-water bathing with daily 2% CHG-impregnated wipe bathing for patients aged 2 months to 18 years with a central line in place for at least 48 hours. Using a convenience sampling method, the study will compare a three-month retrospective baseline period to a three-month prospective intervention period. CLABSI rates, defined by NHSN criteria, will be calculated per 1,000 central line days and analyzed using a chi-square test to determine statistical significance.
Conclusion: This project will likely demonstrate that standardized CHG bathing protocols significantly decrease CLABSI rates compared to traditional soap-and-water bathing. Reducing CLABSIs is critical for improving patient safety, reducing healthcare costs, and establishing evidence-based hygiene standards for pediatric nursing practice. Implementing the CHG bathing intervention will provide a sustainable, high-impact method to protect pediatric patients during their hospitalization.
Recommended Citation
Hensley, Caroline Sue, "The Impact of Daily 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Bathing on CLABSI Rates in a Pediatric Medical-Surgical Unit" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 54.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/54
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The Impact of Daily 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Bathing on CLABSI Rates in a Pediatric Medical-Surgical Unit
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a significant challenge in pediatric hospitalization, leading to longer stays, increased healthcare costs, and worse patient outcomes. Standard soap-and-water bathing may not sufficiently reduce the bacteria on the skin of patients with central venous catheters. Current evidence suggests that more rigorous antiseptic protocols are necessary to protect vulnerable pediatric populations from preventable CLABSIs.
Purpose: The purpose of this project is to determine whether daily chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing, compared to standard soap-and-water bathing, reduces the rate of CLABSIs in pediatric patients with central lines during hospitalization.
Methods: This study will utilize a quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test design in a 40-bed pediatric medical-surgical unit. The intervention will involve replacing soap-and-water bathing with daily 2% CHG-impregnated wipe bathing for patients aged 2 months to 18 years with a central line in place for at least 48 hours. Using a convenience sampling method, the study will compare a three-month retrospective baseline period to a three-month prospective intervention period. CLABSI rates, defined by NHSN criteria, will be calculated per 1,000 central line days and analyzed using a chi-square test to determine statistical significance.
Conclusion: This project will likely demonstrate that standardized CHG bathing protocols significantly decrease CLABSI rates compared to traditional soap-and-water bathing. Reducing CLABSIs is critical for improving patient safety, reducing healthcare costs, and establishing evidence-based hygiene standards for pediatric nursing practice. Implementing the CHG bathing intervention will provide a sustainable, high-impact method to protect pediatric patients during their hospitalization.