RE: Skin prep

sam sanderson — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 20:30:59 GMT

Thanks. All ready been in touch with Rob.

RE: Skin prep

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 20:14:16 GMT

I am sure that Rob Watkins will appear here before too long...

But current evidence suggests that a mixture of 2% CHG and 70% IPA provides the most effective antimicrobial activity (i.e. Chloraprep)

We are using Chloraprep for orthopaedic / abdominal surgery (comes as sterile applicator) and we were using Vetasept blue for routine stuff where cost is more of an issue (sorry Rob) - first skin prep 1:1 dilution of water and CHG, then in theatre we would open a sterile pack containing sponge (recycled from single use hand scrub), forceps and a dish. Nurse would open pack for surgeon, then tip in some Vetasept blue, scrubbed surgeon would then use forceps and sponge to perform final prep.

Problem is now vetasept blue has been discontinued and as far as I am aware Chloraprep is the only commercially available preparation of CHG and IPA short of mixing your own.

Technique is also important as are clean / sterile clipper blades and the toothbrush used to clean them as I am sure Rob will point out - see references to studies on Invicta site.