HS07 COMPARISON OF BETADINE PAINT AND PLASTIC BAG IMMERSION TECHNIQUES FOR SURGICAL SITE SKIN PREPARATION IN HAND SURGERY

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare two techniques for surgical site skin preparation in hand surgery.Methods: We compared the standard sponge paint technique versus a plastic bag immersion technique using a 10% povidone iodine with alcohol solution (Betadine) to prepare surgical site skin for hand surgery. This plastic bag immersion technique involves using a sterile plastic bag filled with 60 ml of Betadine solution to immerse the subjects’ hand. Samples were taken from ten subjects for bacteria colony forming unit (CFU) counts before and three minutes after surgical site preparation in each group. Outcome measures were preparation time and CFU reduction with a finger impression test using commercially available agar slides.Results: The plastic bag immersion technique significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) the time required for surgical site skin preparation (28 seconds) compared to the standard technique (86 seconds). Both techniques were found to have similar efficacy in the reduction of CFU.Discussion: The plastic bag immersion technique is a quicker alternative method for surgical site preparation in hand surgery and has comparable efficacy to the widely practiced standard paint‐on technique. This technique can be applied across the disciplines of orthopaedic, plastic and vascular surgery involving the hand.