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S U R G I C A L
S K I N
A N T I S E P S I S
patients with sensitive skin, such as those with known allergies."
Iodine solutions are tried and true and can be used in procedures
involving mucous membranes. Just to confuse the issue more, a 2009
study found iodine povacrylex and isopropyl alcohol to be more effective at decreasing SSIs than either betadine or CHG/alcohol.
Contraindications include irritation and toxicity, says Ms. Greene.
"And, if left on the skin for extended periods, it can cause 'burning' of
tissue, which is something to keep in mind if a procedure is delayed
for some reason after the patient has been prepped."
Both P-I and CHG are generally combined with an alcohol base,
though P-I is available on its own for procedures in which there's no
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2012
