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bacteria, but contact with blood, bodily fluids, tissue proteins or other organic matter can leave it inactive. Those substances don't stop alcohol's effects, though (see "Don't Overlook Alcohol's Assistance").
Focus on the future
New studies comparing the effectiveness of skin prep agents are often emerging. There's a lot of room for research. One study we reviewed suggested the usefulness of further research to determine which preparation of CHG, out of all the concentration and combination options, is the most effective CHG for antimicrobial kill and SSI reduction.13
In the meantime, you can ensure effective and safe preps by training your staff on the proper application of each prep along with their safety precautions and contraindications. If you see new evidence-based studies, take note of the preps' active ingredients and the procedures they'd optimally serve. And if you discover a better option, you should recommend it. Skin prep shouldn't be just the surgeon's preference.
Ms. Garcia (judith.garcia@osumc.edu) is a staff nurse at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center: James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio.
