A Potential Method to Lower Risk for Surgical Site Infection During Cesarean Birth

Abstract It's common practice to use a preparation containing chlorhexidine to prepare the surgical site before cesarean birth. We observed an interaction between ultrasound gel, used for electronic fetal heart monitoring before birth, and chlorhexidine. This interaction creates the potential for surgical site infection. Using isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly remove all gel before application of chlorhexidine was associated with reduced rates of postsurgical infection at our institution. DOI: 10.1111/1751‐486X.12164

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi?DOI=10.1111%2F1751-486X.12164

Source: AWHONN Lifelines - December 12, 2014 Category: Nursing Authors: Laura S. Lucas, Frank R. Witter Tags: In Practice Source Type: research