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Comparison of Different Regimens for Surgical Hand Preparation
Author(s) -
Larson Elaine L.,
Aiello Allison E.,
Heilman James M.,
Lyle Christopher T.,
Cronquist Alicia,
Stahl Julie B.,
DellaLatta Phyllis
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)61981-9
Subject(s) - chlorhexidine gluconate , antiseptic , medicine , regimen , chlorhexidine , clinical trial , surgery , dentistry , pathology
Twenty surgical staff members participated in a clinical trial to compare the microbiology and skin condition of hands when using a traditional surgical scrub (TSS) with a detergent‐based antiseptic containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and a short application without scrub of a waterless hand preparation (HP) containing 61% ethyl alcohol, 1% CHG, and emollients. The HP was associated with less skin damage ( P = .002) and lower microbial counts postscrub at days five ( P = .002) and 19 ( P = .02). The HP protocol had shorter contact time (HP mean [M] = 80.7 seconds; TSS M = 144.9 seconds; P < .0001), and more subjects preferred the HP regimen ( P = .001). The HP performed better than the TSS, was less costly, and should be evaluated in larger trials and considered for widespread implementation. AORN J 73 (Feb 2001) 412–432.