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Sequential use of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine for cutaneous antisepsis: A systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 October 2019

Leonard A. Mermel*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island Department of Epidemiology and Infection Control, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
*
Author for correspondence: Leonard Mermel, Email: lmermel@lifespan.org

Abstract

Cutaneous antisepsis with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, usually with alcohol, has been extensively studied. This review of published studies reveals that sequential use of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine leads to a greater reduction in the bioburden of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria on the skin, lower risk of intravascular catheter colonization, and lower risk of surgical site infection compared to use of either agent alone. As such, sequential use of cutaneous antiseptic agents may further reduce risk of surgical site infections, as well as infections associated with insertion of transdermal devices such as nephrostomy tubes, left-ventricular assistance devices, and intravascular catheters.

Type
Review
Copyright
© 2019 by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. All rights reserved. 

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