What is it about?

This study aimed to determine which skin antiseptic does the best job of removing bacteria from the skin before hand surgery.

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Why is it important?

Removing bacteria from the skin is important for prevention of infection. This is the first prospective, randomized trial in hand surgery to evaluate the effectiveness of the most commonly used skin antiseptic solutions.

Perspectives

The choice of prep solution has largely been one of surgeon preference, based on training or on availability. The newer prep solutions are convenient because they come in self-contained sticks, but these solutions also contain alcohol. Many centers require a drying period prior to draping that can be disruptive to OR flow. This study contradicts studies from the shoulder and lumbar spine that show chlorhexidine based prep solutions are superior.

Dr John R Fowler
University of Pittsburgh

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Surgical Preparation Solutions in Hand Surgery, Hand, July 2016, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1558944716658856.
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