Chlorhexidine gluconate bathing practices and skin concentrations in intensive care unit patients

Haleema Alserehi; Mala Filippell; Michele Emerick; Marie Kristine Cabunoc; Michael Anne Preas; Corey Sparkes; J Kristie Johnson; Surbhi Leekha; CDC Prevention Epicenter Program

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2017.08.022

Chlorhexidine gluconate bathing practices and skin concentrations in intensive care unit patients

Am J Infect Control. 2018 Feb;46(2):226-228. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.08.022. Epub 2017 Oct 6.

Authors

Haleema Alserehi¹, Mala Filippell², Michele Emerick², Marie Kristine Cabunoc², Michael Anne Preas², Corey Sparkes³, J Kristie Johnson³, Surbhi Leekha³; CDC Prevention Epicenter Program

Affiliations

¹ University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: [email protected].
² University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
³ University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

PMID: 28993110
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.08.022

Abstract

In this 2-phase real-world evaluation of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations in intensive care unit patients, we found lower skin CHG concentrations when rinsing with water after CHG solution bath (compared with no rinse), but no significant difference in concentrations between the use of CHG solution without rinse and preimpregnated CHG wipes. CHG concentration audits could be useful in assessing the quality of bathing practice, and CHG solution without rinsing may be an alternative to preimpregnated CHG wipes.

Keywords: Bathing practice; Chlorhexidine gluconate solution; Chlorhexidine gluconate wipes; Intensive care unit.

Publication types

Clinical Study

MeSH terms

Anti-Infective Agents, Local
Baths*
Chlorhexidine / analogs & derivatives*
Chlorhexidine / pharmacology
Critical Care*
Cross Infection
Humans
Infection Control / methods
Intensive Care Units*
Skin / microbiology
Skin Care / methods

Substances

Anti-Infective Agents, Local
chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexidine