4 5
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT 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
Just as current research has not determined the optimal frequency for
pre-op bathing, so it has not to date addressed the comparative effec-
tiveness of the available antiseptic agents. Even AORN's recent revi-
sion leaves the evaluation and selection decision up to each provider.
Several observers have speculated that the use of 2% CHG-impreg-
nated wipes after patients' showers may have a stronger effect than
the use of 4% CHG liquid soap, since lathered-up soap is soon rinsed
off but wiped-on solution is not. At least one survey respondent, how-
ever, noted the wipes' higher cost.
Respondents who checked "Other" predominantly named antibac-
terial versions of common brands of bath soap, with a few others sug-
gesting the combination approach of a CHG shower followed by a
CHG wipe.
You can improve compliance by making your recommended prod-
uct readily accessible to your patients, which 53.3% of respondents
do.
P R E - O P B A T H I N G
SKIN DEEP A pre-op wipe-down with CHG can
supplement skin prepping's antimicrobial effects.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
