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ommended practices, but most of the studies we found are conflict-
ing. They don't really show that one kind of skin antiseptic is better
than another. There's also no consensus on the best application
techniques. With that in mind, it helps to standardize your prepping
products and practices. The bedside nurses can then select an
approved product for each individual patient based on their assess-
ments.
Whichever prepping product you're using, a multidisciplinary team at
your facility should have selected it and provided education for nurses
on its application and use. Nurses and others who perform skin preps
should apply the antiseptic according to the manufacturer's instruc-
tions for use. When prep manufacturers test their products, they do so
using a particular protocol. For example, most surgical nurses have
been taught to prep in a circular motion, moving outward from the
incision. However, if you're using a product that should be applied
using a back-and-forth motion, your staff must change their habits —
and maybe their beliefs, too. OSM
Ms. Van Wicklin (
sva nwick lin@a orn.org
) and Ms. Wood
(
awood@aorn.org
) are perioperative nursing specialists at the Association
of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
S U R G I C A L S K I N A S E P S I S
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