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Why Skin Preparation Matters

There is an increased prevalence of "super bugs"

Adherence to proper antisepsis is critical for the reduction of microorganisms on the skin.

CHG is a preferred antiseptic1

Use of Chloraprep skin antiseptic for patient preoperative skin preparation helps reduce microorganisms on patients’ skin. Ideal properties for a preoperative skin antiseptic:

  • Broad spectrum
  • Rapid bactericidal activity
  • Residual properties on the skin
  • Active in the presence of biomaterial
  • Low incidence of irritation or toxic responses
  • None or minimal systemic absorption
Comparison of Antimicrobial Agents
Active Agents
Traditional Iodophors
Alcohol
Chlorhexidine
Broad Spectrum
X
X
X
Rapid Activity
X
Residual Activity
X
Activity in Blood/Organic Matter
X
Non/Minimal Absorption
X


ChloraPrep formulation demonstrates advanced antimicrobial action

ChloraPrep combines 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and provides two distinct mechanisms of action:

  • IPA: Rapidly kills microorganisms by denaturing cell proteins
  • CHG: Maintains persistent antimicrobial activity by disrupting the cell membrane and precipitating cell contents

Importance of applicator

  • The patented ChloraPrep applicator promotes aseptic technique and reduces the risk of direct hand-to-patient contact, helping reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
  • ChloraPrep applicators promote gentle friction scrub to help the solution penetrate the first five layers of the stratum corneum, where 80% of skin-dwelling microorganisms reside2

Additional benefits of the ChloraPrep system

  • Broad spectrum: ChloraPrep antimicrobial activity is effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms3
  • Active in protein-rich biomaterials: Remains active in the presence of blood, serum and other protein-rich biomaterials3 unlike traditional iodophors, which are neutralized4
  • Low irritation: CHG demonstrates low incidence of irritation3

Clinical studies support 2% CHG as a preferred antimicrobial

  • Efficacy of 2% CHG in 70% IPA solution
    Evaluation of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol skin antiseptic
  1. O'Grady NP, Alexander M, Dellinger EP, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep. 51 2002:1-29.
  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. Denton GW. Chlorhexidine. In: Block SS. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:321-336.
  4. Gottardi W. Iodine and Iodine Compounds. In: Block SS. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2001:159-183.