Home > Our Products > Infection Prevention > Skin Preparation > The ChloraPrep® Advantage

The ChloraPrep® Advantage

ChloraPrep® skin antiseptic is a preferred patient preoperative skin prep for a variety of reasons. The unique formulation, hands-free applicator and clinical evidence all contribute to its proven performance in a range of minor and major medical procedures.

Proven Solution
The 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate/70% Isopropyl Alcohol formulation acts fast on a broad spectrum of skin-dwelling bacteria, and keeps fighting skin-dwelling bacteria for at least 48 hours.1

Proven Applicators
ChloraPrep applicators promote gentle friction scrub to help the solution penetrate the first five cell layers of the epidermis, where 80% of skin dwelling microorganisms reside.2 The patented ChloraPrep applicator promotes aseptic technique and reduces the risk of direct hand-to-patient contact, helping reduce the risk of cross-contamination.3

ChloraPrep Skin Antiseptic outperforms Traditional Iodophors

  • Rapid acting: ChloraPrep exhibits better immediate antimicrobial activity than povidone iodine alone4
  • Persistent: ChloraPrep skin antiseptic maintains antimicrobial activity for at least 48 hours.1 Free iodine, the active ingredient in povidone iodine and other iodophors, has minimal residual activity4
  • Broad spectrum: ChloraPrep antimicrobial activity is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms on the skin5
  • Active in protein-rich biomaterials: Remains active in the presence of blood, serum and other protein-rich biomaterials unlike traditional iodophors, which are neutralized6
  • Low irritation: CHG demonstrates low incidence of irritation5

  1. Hibbard J. Analysis comparing the antimicrobial activity and safety of current antiseptics: a review. J Infusion Nursing 2005; 28(3):194-207.
  2. Brown E, Wenzel RP, Hendley JO. Exploration of the microbial anatomy of normal human skin by using plasmid profiles of coagulase-negative staphylococci: search for the reservoir pf resident skin flora. J Infect Dis. 1989;160(4):644-650.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/gl_isolation.html. Accessed March 2010.
  4. Larson E. Guideline for use of topical antimicrobial agents. American Journal of Infection Control 1988; 16(6):253-261.
  5. Denton GW. Chlorhexidine. In: Block SS. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:321-336.
  6. Gottardi W. Iodine and Iodine Compounds. In: Block SS. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:159-183.