 All infants who had a birth weight of less than or equal to 1000 grams or who were born less than 29 weeks gestation were eligible for this study. 120 subjects were randomized by day of lifedol 8 to one of two study groups--hand hygiene or hand hygiene plus gloving. Study signs were placed at the bedside and on the isolette sides of each infant with the appropriate study group guidelines. 