Guideline

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Surgical skin disinfection guideline

1. Purpose
This Guideline provides an overview of surgical skin preparation and the rationale for the
selection and use of skin disinfection within the operating suite.
2. Scope
This Guideline provides information for all employees, contractors and consultants within
the Queensland Health.
3. Guideline for Surgical Skin Disinfection
KEY CRITICIAL POINTS
• Thorough cleaning of the surgical incision site can reduce the incidence of Healthcare
Associated Infection (HAI).
• Product selection including strength should be determined after consideration of
numerous factors specific to the patient and the facility.

Introduction
This guideline provides an overview of surgical skin preparation and the rationale for the selection
and use of skin disinfection within the operating suite.
Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are one of the most common and costly Healthcare Associated
Infections (HAI) among hospitalised patients.(1) These infections have been found to result in
increased length of stay, additional costs and have the potential for increased morbidity and
mortality.(1-8)
A surgical site infection occurs when bacteria enter a surgical wound.(6, 9) This most commonly
happens in the operating room, where bacteria can come from several sources, including the
environment, the staff and the patient. Most SSIs originate from the patient’s own bacteria, which
enter the wound during the surgical procedure, however infections from exogenous sources also
occur.(5-7, 9, 10)
Reducing the number of bacteria on the skin around the incision site reduces the risk of a patient
developing a SSI.(4-7, 10) This can be achieved through surgical skin disinfection, which removes
transient bacteria and reduces resident bacteria through a combination of mechanical removal,
chemical killing and inhibition.(4, 7, 9)
Several antiseptic agents are available for preoperative preparation of skin at the incision site.
Chlorhexidine gluconate, the iodophors and alcohol containing products are the most commonly
used agents.(2, 5)

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 Department of Health: Surgical skin disinfection guideline

Chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexidine gluconate kills a range of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria(4, 6), viruses and
fungi, and binds to the top layer of the skin, which results in persistent activity.(1, 2, 5, 9, 11)
Chlorhexidine does not become inactivated in the presence of organic material.(1, 5, 6)
Iodophors (e.g. povidone iodine)
Povidone iodine kills a range of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, viruses and fungi.(4-6, 9)
The povidone carrier releases its iodine slowly; the iodine kills bacteria quickly but does not have a
residual effect.(9) Iodine is inactivated by organic material so should only be applied to clean skin.(5,
6, 9)

Alcohol
Alcohol kills a range of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and many viruses and fungi.(4-6,
9)
The immediate antimicrobial activity of alcohol is stronger and kills more quickly than
chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone iodine, but has no residual effect.(1, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)
Antiseptic combinations
Significant immediate activity is required before surgical incision, in addition to some persistent
activity for the duration of the procedure.(12) Persistence of the antimicrobial effect suppresses the
regrowth of residual skin flora not removed by preoperative prepping, as well as transient micro-
organisms contacting the prepped site. Therefore, the strong immediate action of alcohol in
combination with the persistent activity from chlorhexidine gluconate or the slow release of iodine
from iodophors is ideal.(1, 2, 11, 12)
Use alcohol-containing preoperative skin preparatory agents if no contraindication exists.
Consideration must also be given to the site to be prepped as the use of chlorhexidine or alcoholic
solutions may be contraindicated, for example traumatic wounds, eyes, ears and/or mucous
membranes.(1, 6, 11)The most effective disinfectant (chlorhexidine or povidone iodine) to combine
with alcohol has not been established in the literature.
A comparison of various strengths of chlorhexidine gluconate in isopropyl alcohol would be needed
to conclusively determine the recommended strength of the chlorhexidine. In the absence of such
evidence, the strength of chlorhexidine gluconate used should be determined in collaboration with
the local infection control committee and be based on local factors such as SSI rates and infection
characteristics, such as commonly affected surgical sites and causative micro-organisms.
Decisions on viability of solutions once opened and stored need to be made locally after adequate
risk assessment, in consultation with but not limited to representatives from local infection
management services and pharmacy service, taking into consideration local factors and the
environment in which the solution will be used.

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 Department of Health: Surgical skin disinfection guideline

Guidelines for use

Product selection
Before a product is selected for surgical site disinfection the clinician should consider the following
points (4, 5, 7, 9):
• patient sensitivity or allergy
• operative site
• condition of the patients skin
• presence of organic matter, including blood
• the surgeon’s preference
• local SSI rates
• contain broad spectrum properties
• significantly reduce micro-organisms on intact skin
• be non-irritating and non-toxic
• be rapid acting
• have a persistent effect
• be compatible with other products used in operative skin preparation, such as pre-operative
bathing
• be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
Use alcohol-containing preoperative skin preparatory agents if no contraindication exists. The most
effective disinfectant (chlorhexidine or povidone iodine) to combine with alcohol has not been
established in the literature.
Note: The same antimicrobial agent shall be used for all phases of the patient’s skin preparation, to
ensure full residual benefit and consistent action.(7)
Pre-operative showering/bathing
The efficacy of antiseptic agents is dependent on the cleanliness of the skin. Removal of superficial
soil, debris, and transient microbes before applying antiseptic agents reduces the risk of wound
contamination by decreasing the organic debris on the skin.(5-7)
Unless contraindicated, advise patients to shower or have a bath (or help patients to shower, bath
or bed bath) using soap, either the day before, or on the day of, surgery.(3, 10, 13-15)
Hair removal
Hair at the surgical site should be left in place whenever possible as studies have found that
preoperative shaving of the surgical site increases the risk of surgical site infection.(1, 3, 5, 16)
If the presence of hair will interfere with the surgical procedure the following precautions should be
taken:
• hair removal should be performed the day of surgery, in a location outside of the operating
theatre or procedure room(1, 7, 10)
• only hair interfering with the surgical procedure should be removed(5)

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• hair should be clipped using a single-use electric or battery-operated clipper, or a clipper

with a reusable head that can be disinfected between patients. Razors should not be
used.(1, 5, 7, 10, 16, 17)
Application technique
• Remove all jewellery from the operative site prior to commencing skin preparation.(7)
• A sterile applicator should be used.(4-6)
• Solutions used should be single-use.(9)
• The preparation solution should be applied using friction(9), and should commence from the
cleanest area, usually the operative and/ or incision site and proceed in a concentric
fashion to the least clean area(4-7)
o the applicator should be discarded once the periphery has been reached.(4)
• If a highly contaminated area is part of the procedure, the area with a lower bacterial count
should be prepared first, followed by the area of higher contamination.(7)
• When both the abdominal and perineal areas require preparation, the preparation should
be performed sequentially (not simultaneously).Evidence as to the sequence in which the
areas are prepared is not conclusive, whether preparing the perineal area or abdominal first
ensure a new applicator is used for each site, gloves are replaced and hand hygiene is
performed between sites(18)
• The solution should be allowed to completely dry naturally.(2, 4, 5, 7, 9)
• Avoid drying the incision site after the application with a swab or sponges as this reduces
the efficacy of the antimicrobial solution.(5, 7)
• The prepared area of skin should extend to an area large enough to accommodate
potential shifting of the drape fenestration, extension of the incision, potential for additional
incisions and all potential drain sites.(4, 5, 7)
• Ensure that the antiseptic solution remains in contact with the skin for the required period of
time as recommended by the manufacturer.(7)
Hazard precautions
Alcoholic preparations are safe if used correctly.
• The volume used should be sufficient to thoroughly wet the site for the recommended time,
but avoid pooling of excess liquid beneath or around the patient.
• Allow adequate contact time, drying time(4) and vapour dissipation of antimicrobial agents to
prevent skin irritation as well as prevent fire or burn injuries.(2, 7, 10, 14, 16)
• Areas with excess hair may take longer to dry.(1, 2)
• All alcohol preparations are flammable; it is imperative that all preparations are allowed to
evaporate completely before electrocautery/diathermy or laser instruments are switched
on.(1)
• Avoid dripping or pooling of alcohol based antiseptic solutions on sheets, padding,
positioning equipment, adhesive tape and on or under the patient.(1, 2, 10, 14, 16)

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Surgical hand scrubbing

Two options on product type for surgical scrubbing are available for operating theatres to select
from, this includes scrubbing with an approved skin antiseptic and water, or an alcohol based
product. Staff should refer to both the Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (ACORN)
standards for perioperative nursing(7) and the manufacturer’s recommendations for scrubbing
procedures/techniques. Facilities should perform a risk assessment before implementing new
products. Some points to consider include:
• Occupational Health and Safety issues
• storage implications
• product placement
• implementation strategies
o consultation with Key Stakeholders
o formal trialling of product
o training and assessment of staff.

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References
1. Anderson D, Podgorny K, Berrios-Torres S, Bratzler D, Dellinger E, Greene L, et al.
Strategies to prevent surgical site infections in acute care hospitals: 2014 update. Infection
control and hospital epidemiology. 2014;35(6):605-27.
2. Barnett J. Surgical skin antisepsis preparation intervention guidelines. Health Quality and
Safety Commission New Zealand. 2014.
3. Jenks J, Bostock J, Chiwera L, Harrington P, Hill M, Jesky J, et al. NICE quality standard
49: surgical site infection. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2013.
4. Dumville J, McFarlane E, Edwards P, Lipp A, Holmes A. Preoperative skin antiseptics for
preventing surgical wound infections after clean surgery (review). The Cochrane Library.
2013(3).
5. Mangram A, Horan T, Pearson M, Silver L, Jarvis W. Guideline for prevention of surgical
site infection. Infection control and hospital epidemiology. 1999;20(4):247-78.
6. Gawande A, Weiser T, Berry W, Haynes A, Donaldson L, Philip P, et al. WHO guidelines
for safe surgery. World Health Organisation. 2009.
7. Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (ACORN). 2014-2015. Standards for
perioperative nursing.
8. Kamel C, McGahan L, Polisena J, Mierzwinski-Urban M, Embil J. Preoperative skin
antiseptic preparations for preventing surgical site infections: a systematic review. Infection
control and hospital epidemiology. 2012;33(6):608-17.
9. Tanner J. Methods of skin antisepsis for preventing SSIs. Nursing Times. 2011;108(37):20-
2.
10. ACSQHC. Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare.
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare. 2010.
11. Maiwald M, Chan E. The forgotten role of alcohol: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
the clinical efficacy and perceived role of chlorhexidine in skin antisepsis. PLoS One.
2012;7(9).
12. Maiwald M, Chan E. Pitfalls in evidence assessment: the case of chlorhexidine and alcohol
in skin antisepsis. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2014;69(8):2017-21.
13. Berrios-Torres S, Umscheid C, Bratzler D, Leas B, Stone E, Kelz R, et al. Draft guideline for
the prevention of surgical site infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). 2014.
14. ASCQHC. Australian guidelines for the prevention and control of infection in healthcare.
National Health and Medical Research Council. 2010.
15. Webster J, Osborne S. Preoperative bathing or showering with skin antiseptics to prevent
surgical site infection (review). The Cochrane Library. 2012(9).
16. NICE. NICE clinical guideline 74: Prevention and treatment of surgical site infection.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2008.
17. Tanner J, Norrie P, Melen K. Preoperative hair removal to reduce surgical site infection
(review). The Cochrane Library. 2011(11).
18 Burlingame BL. Abdominal-perineal surgical preps [Clinical Issues]. AORN J.
2011;94(1):97-100.

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5. Definitions of terms used in the policy and supporting documents

Term Definition / Explanation / Details Source
(10)
Surgical Site Infection An infection at the site of a surgical operation that is
caused by the operation. (10)
(10)
Healthcare Associated Healthcare associated infections (HAI) are those
Infection infections that are not present or incubating at the
time of admission to a healthcare program or facility,
develop within a healthcare organisation or are
produced by micro-organisms acquired during
admission. (10)

6. Approval and Implementation

Document custodian
Dr Heidi Carroll, Senior Medical Officer, Communicable Diseases Branch
Approval officer
Dr Heidi Carroll, Senior Medical Officer, Communicable Diseases Branch
Approval date: 9 December 2015
Review Date: 9 December 2015

7. Version Control
Version Date Prepared by Comments
1.0 [QH-GDL-321-6-6:2012] Rescinded
2.0 December 2012 Mareeka Gray
3.0 October 2015 Paul Smith

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