1 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A Y 2 0 1 9
Your surgical team
might not know as
much about SSI pre-
vention as you might
think, so have them
brush up on these
basics of pre-op
skin asepsis.
1. No prep is best. The effort to identify the ultimate prep solution
is a much-debated issue with a conflicting body of evidence. Most
infection prevention organizations do not recommend one anti-
septic for all procedures. In their most recent SSI guidelines, the
CDC recommends skin preparation with an alcohol-based agent
"unless contraindicated." The World Health Organization recom-
mends using alcohol-based antiseptic solutions containing
chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), noting that there is moderate
quality evidence supporting the use of alcohol-based agents over
aqueous agents. AORN recommends that a multidisciplinary team
of perioperative RNs, physicians and infection preventionists
should select a product "based on a review of current research
literature and FDA approval status, in accordance with the health
care organization's product evaluation and selection process."
2. Application techniques vary. A prep manufacturer's instructions
for use are based on research the company has done on the best
method of application for its specific antiseptic. For example, most
4 Fast Facts About Skin Prepping
DID YOU KNOW?
• BUZZ CUT Clippers are the preferred option for removing hair, which should be
done outside of the OR.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
