Selection of Appropriate Antiseptic

Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)

Isopropyl Alcohol ADVANTAGES:

Causes protein denaturation, cell lysis, and metabolic interruption.

Degreases the skin.

DISADVANTAGES:

Ineffective against bacterial spores and poorly effective against viruses and fungi.

 

Chlorhexidine Gluconate 

Nolvasan®
Chlorhexidine Gluconate ADVANTAGES:

Rapid action

Residual activity is enhanced by repeated use

Less susceptible to organic inactivation than providone iodine

DISADVANTAGES:

Occasional skin sensitivity.

Inactive against bacterial spores

Activity against viruses and fungi is variable and inconsistent

 

     

Iodophors: Iodine complexed with an organic substrate.

Povidone Iodine - Betadine®
Iodophores ADVANTAGES:

Bactericidal, viricidal, and fungicidal.

DISADVANTAGES:

Occasional skin sensitivity.

Partially inactivated by organic debris.

Less residual activity than chlorhexidine.

Poor sporicidal activity.

 

DuraPrep®
duraprep.tif (129644 bytes)  

 

 USES:
Supplies a film-forming solution of iodophor and isopropyl alcohol for a final skin prep
Solution is contained within an applicator which speeds up the prep process
Solution provides long-lasting, fast, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity

Hexachlorophene: a Phenol Derivative

Phisohex®
Hexachlorophene

 

 ACTION: Disrupts cell walls, precipitates cellular proteins.

DISADVANTAGES:

NOT USED: Neurotoxic.

Slow onset of action.