To determine the duration of efficacy of disinfection with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) conducted before application of OpSite Wound (Smith and Nephew, UK), bacteriological evaluation was carried out. In 9 healthy adults, 3 sites on the forearms or other parts were chosen for application of OpSite Wound after adequate disinfection with PVP-I. As compared to the bacterial count score of 1.67-2.00 before disinfection, a significant reduction of the score was observed on removal of OpSite Wound on days 1, 2 and 3. The score of 0.5-0.67 immediately after disinfection did not change or deteriorate until removal of OpSite Wound. This finding supports the fact that unnecessary dressing changes could be avoided postoperatively for at least 3 days by disinfection with PVP-I and application of OpSite Wound particularly for operations categorized as 'clean surgery'.
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