Prevention of Surgical Site Infection

When

Choice of antiseptic skin preparation

First choice unless contraindicated or the surgical site is next to a mucous membrane

Alcohol-based solution of chlorhexidine

0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol solution for ‘preoperative skin disinfection prior to minor surgical procedures’ and 2.0% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol applicators for ‘disinfection of the skin prior to invasive medical procedures.

Alternative if the surgical site is next to a mucous membrane

Aqueous solution of chlorhexidine

4.0% aqueous chlorhexidine for ‘preoperative and postoperative skin antisepsis for patients undergoing elective surgery’; however, relevant instructions were limited to use as a body wash to be used before the person enters the operating theatre.

Alternative if chlorhexidine is contraindicated

Alcohol-based solution of povidone-iodine

10% povidone-iodine alcoholic solution for ‘topical application’. 10% povidone-iodine (Betadine Alcoholic solution) was licensed for ‘antiseptic skin cleanser for major and minor surgical procedures.

If both an alcohol- based solution and chlorhexidine are unsuitable

Aqueous solution of povidone-iodine

7.5% povidone-iodine surgical scrub solution for disinfecting the site of incision prior to elective surgery’ and 7.5% povidone-iodine (Betadine surgical scrub) for ‘preoperative preparation of patients’ skin’. 10% iodine antiseptic solution for ‘disinfection of intact external skin or as a mucosal antiseptic’ and 10% povidone-iodine solution (Standardised Betadine antiseptic solution) for ‘preoperative and postoperative antiseptic skin cleanser for major and minor surgical procedures.