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R E S E A R C H
R O U N D U P
The Science of Skin Prepping
What does the latest literature recommend on skin antisepsis and hair removal?
David Bernard | Senior Associate Editor
CLOTH CARE Do CHG
wipes' antimicrobial effect
have an impact on SSI rates?
Recent years have seen the publication of several landmark studies on pre-operative skin preparation's role in reducing bacteria and
preventing surgical site infections, but these have by no means been the last word on the subject. Here's a recap of some of the latest thinking on skin prepping agents, pre-op bathing and hair removal.
The effectiveness of agents The Darouiche study (see "Chlorhexidine-Alcohol Wins Face Off vs. PovidoneIodine" on page 11), published in the New England Journal of Medicine 4 years ago (tinyurl.com/3alrol3), joined a quickening drumbeat of research recommending chlorhexidine gluconate for skin antisepsis before general and orthopedic surgeries due to its high antibacterial efficacy and surgical site reduction rates. Critics of the study have questioned its balance, however, since it pitted a 2%
