Authors' recommendations: The most common skin preparation agents currently used in the United States for antisepsis prior to catheter insertion are products that contain iodophors or chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). Rationale: Skin preparation products are used prior to insertion of catheters to quickly eliminate a wide range of microbes and provide a continuous high level of antimicrobial action for an extended duration of time. Controversy: A variety of different classes of topical antiseptic agents are used to cleanse the skin prior to insertion of a catheter. In addition, antiseptic agents may be in either aqueous or alcoholic solutions. It has not been determined which agent is the most effective at preventing catheter colonization and CRBSIs. Relevant Questions: For patients receiving vascular or epidural catheters, are skin preparation products (i.e., CHG and octenidine hydrochloride) effective in reducing the incidence of catheter-related infections or bacterial colonization after insertion? How do skin preparation products (i.e., CHG and octenidine hydrochloride) compare with products containing iodophors, alcohol, or with each other in patients receiving vascular or epidural catheters? Are skin preparation products safe in patients receiving vascular or epidural catheters? Have definitive patient selection criteria for skin preparation products been established?

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2017

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=70666

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: Winifred S. Hayes, Inc