Skin preps

Kate Williams English 1 page

Content of the notes (1)

Which skin disinfectant to use?

Chlorhexidine

• Effective against most bacteria, yeasts, fungi and some viruses

• Residual activity of 6 hours

• May cause skin sensitivity

• Must not be used around the eyes –corneal irritant

• 99% bacteria killed 30 seconds after application

Povidoneiodine

• Extremely effective antimicrobial

• Sporicidal action takes 15 minutes

• Shorter residual time compared to chlorhexidine

• May cause skin sensitivity

• Can be used around the eye in a 0.2% solution