The surgical skin prep shall be performed using an Infection Prevention and Control Program approved antiseptic agent.
Whenever possible the recommendation is for use of a Chlorhexidine-Alcohol prepping solution; however factors to be considered in the selection of a preoperative skin antiseptic agent include, but are not limited to:
Allergy.
Condition of involved area.
Number and/or types of contaminants
The characteristics of the skin to be cleansed/disinfected
General physical condition of the patient
The written review of the manufacturer’s information
The surgeon’s preference
The agent should be non-irritating, non-toxic, easily applied
Antiseptic agents shall:
have any unused portion of opened bottles, not containing preservative (ie. 4% alcohol) immediately discarded after use
be dated if containing preservative (ie. 4% alcohol). Bottles shall be discarded after 30 days or per manufacturer’s recommendations
not be warmed (unless recommended by manufacturer), as this may alter the chemical properties and equilibrium of the solution causing burns
be applied by non-scrubbed personnel
be applied in a manner to prevent pooling:
o in skin creases
o under the patient
o around/below a tourniquet
o under an electrosurgical dispersive electrode; or o near EKG electrodes; and
not remove surgical site markings when surgical skin prep is performed.
see http://www.wrha.mb.ca/extranet/eipt/files/EIPT-005-001.pdf