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Effectiveness of Surgical Hand Antisepsis Using Chlorhexidine Digluconate and Parachlorometaxylenol Hand Scrub: Cross-over Trial

Effectiveness of Surgical Hand Antisepsis Using Chlorhexidine Digluconate and Parachlorometaxylenol Hand Scrub: Cross-over Trial

Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo, David Sevillano Fernandez, Luis Alou Cervera, Laura Martín Aragón, Marta Elena Losa Iglesias, Luis Rodolfo Collado Yurrita, Daniel Lopez Lopez

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Oct;97(42):e12831.

PMID: 30334981

Abstract:

Background:
Chlorhexidine and parachlorometaxylenol (PCMX) are antiseptics recommended for surgical hand antisepsis. To our knowledge, PCMX has not been evaluated for bactericidal efficacy "in vivo.
Methods:
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, controlled crossover trial to compare the bacterial loads on fingertips and fingernails under laboratory conditions after use of antiseptic test products, including chlorhexidine digluconate 4%, PCMX 3%, and a reference solution of propan-1-ol 60% (P-1). We assessed bacterial load after a prewash with soft soap, immediately after application of an antiseptic, and 3 hours after application and wearing of sterile, powder-free gloves. Our procedures followed those specified by European Norm (EN) 12791 for evaluating surgical hand antiseptics and using cotton swab for fingertips and fingernails.
Results:
Chlorhexidine digluconate 4% and PCMX 3% did not decrease bacterial load on the hands. The bactericidal performances of chlorhexidine digluconate 4% and PCMX 3% did not differ significantly. Chlorhexidine digluconate 4% and PCMX 3% increased bacterial load on the fingertips after participants had worn gloves for 3 hours. Fingernails had greater bacterial loads than skin on the fingertips.
Conclusions:
Chlorhexidine digluconate 4% and PCMX 3% had similar bactericidal efficacy, but they failed to meet the EN 12791 efficacy standard. Fingernails should be a particular focus of antisepsis in preparation for surgery.The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02500758).

Chemicals Related in the Paper:

Catalog Number	Product Name	Structure	CAS Number	Price
AP18472510	Chlorhexidine digluconate		18472-51-0	Price

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