Antimicrobial persistence for 10 days after antiseptic skin preparation in healthy volunteers.

Antiseptic agents reduce skin microbes and aid in the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). This report describes a study performed in 66 healthy volunteers to assess the persistent antimicrobial efficacy of a commercially available skin antiseptic composed of 2% CHG and 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The solution was applied to the abdominal and inguinal (groin) regions and was allowed to dry before being assessed for immediate effect and covered with dressings. The antimicrobial persistence was examined at different time points over 10 days post-application and the reduction in skin bacterial levels (cfu/cm2) from baseline was assessed. The mean log10 reduction in bacteria on the abdomen was 2.75 at 10 min, 2.03 at 7 days, and 1.53 at 10 days post-application. The mean log10 reduction in skin bacteria on the groin was 3.59 at 10 min, 2.80 at 7 days, and 2.42 at 10 days post-application. The results showed that the antimicrobial effect of this skin preparation can be sustained for 10 days post-application when used on healthy volunteers. Further studies are needed to determine the antimicrobial persistence and effect on SSIs when this antiseptic agent is used preoperatively.