Effectiveness of surgical hand antisepsis using chlorhexidine digluconate and parachlorometaxylenol hand scrub: Cross-over trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chlorhexidine and parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX) are antiseptics recommended for surgical hand antisepsis. To our knowledge, PCMX has not been evaluated for bactericidal efficacy "in vivo.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial to compare the bacterial loads on fingertips and fingernails under laboratory conditions after use of antiseptic test products, including chlorhexidine digluconate 4%, PCMX 3%, and a reference solution of propan-1-ol 60% (P-1). We assessed bacterial load after a prewash with soft soap, immediately after application of an antiseptic, and 3 hours after application and wearing of sterile, powder-free gloves. Our procedures followed those specified by European Norm (EN) 12791 for evaluating surgical hand antis

SUBMITTER: Vallejo RBB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6211836 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature