The incidence of dry chlorhexidine gluconate transfer from skin to surgical gloves: a simulation and in vitro study

Abstract

Background: To prevent alcohol-based chlorhexidine from reaching the cerebrospinal fluid, it is recommended that the antiseptic solution be allowed to dry before skin palpation or puncture. However, no guidelines specify a drying time interval. Manufacturers recommend 3 min of air drying, based upon the isopropyl alcohol component. Therefore, to fill this knowledge gap, we designed a simulation study to investigate the incidence of primary chlorhexidine transfer from skin to gloves following three drying time intervals. We also investigated the incidence of secondary chlorhexidine transfer from gloves to another surface following one drying time interval.

Methods: An alcohol-based chlorhexidine antiseptic solution with dye, ChloraPrep®, was applied to the skin of the lumbar region of 20 volunteers. Cotton-tipped applicators wrapped in material from gloves were taken from the application area at 3, 4, 5, and 10 min following application. Transfer of chlorhexidine from skin to gloves, and gloves to another medium, was assessed through a chemical assay that produced a color change when chlorhexidine was present on the sample.

Results: The incidence of primary chlorhexidine transfer from skin to gloves at 3, 4 and 10 min following application was 99.5%, 99.4%, and 99.6%, respectively. The incidence of secondary chlorhexidine transfer from gloves to another surface was 68.9%.

Conclusion: Gloves are routinely contaminated with chlorhexidine during central neuraxial blockade. The high incidence of secondary transfer in our simulation suggests a pathway by which chlorhexidine may gain access to the neuraxial space.

Keywords: Antisepsis; Central neuraxial blockade; Chlorhexidine gluconate; Contamination; In vitro; Simulation.