Forum topic

I recently investigated the sources for the direction of applying skin antiseptics. No one can locate  any studies or publications on the use of concentric circles. I have tried, along with several others and no  really knows how or where it originated, although it has gotten into numerous documents such as the AORN standards. The back and forth scrubbing technique was the technique used in the studies submitted to the FDA for Chloraprep's  clearance to enter the US market. I think you can get a better amount of friction with the back and forth method and this will allow the solution to reach more of the organisms in the lower layers of the epidermis. I am not aware of any published studies on skin prep during dressing changes but I think this multidirectional method is probably best. With concentric circles, I have seen nurses simply paint the skin without using any friction. Of course with a puncture site I would still be careful about sweeping skin cells and other organic debris toward the actual catheter tract. Lynn

I agree with Lynn. Also, manufacturer's directions for use should be followed. Leigh Ann