Effectiveness of Chloraprep in reduction of blood culture contamination rates in emergency department.

Contaminated blood cultures result in increased healthcare utilization. Poor skin preparation is usually the cause of contamination. Our study results showed a significant decrease in contamination rates using 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropanol (Chloraprep) versus tincture of iodine. Adoption of this technique throughout our institution is expected to result in a savings of 875000 dollars per year, as well as decreased discomfort for the patient.