Chlorhexidine Gluconate for Skin Preparation During Catheter Insertion and Surgical Procedures

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Project Line:

Health Technology Review

Project Sub Line:

Rapid Review

Project Number:

RC1375-000

What is the clinical effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate wipes for infection prevention in patients being prepped for a urinary catheter insertion?
What is the clinical effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate wipes for infection prevention in patients who are preoperative and/or admitted to the critical care setting?

There is a lack of evidence on the clinical effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate wipes for patients being prepped for urinary catheter insertion in acute or community care. More research in this area is needed.
In critical care settings, bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate wipes results in either a reduction or no difference in the risk of infection compared to bathing with soap and water.
The results from 1 study demonstrated that using chlorhexidine gluconate‒impregnated cloths the night before and morning of admission pre-surgery reduced infections at the site of the prosthetic in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty when compared to standard soap and water bathing.
When reported, adverse events associated with chlorhexidine gluconate wipes included mild skin irritation.

Last Updated : August 10, 2021