Abstract
We sought to determine the flammability of the skin at different time intervals after chlorhexidine-alcohol antiseptic scrub application, to provide evidence for hospital protocols recommending a 3-minute drying time. Swine feet, which contain the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, and bone, were used for an experimental cohort. The skin was prepped with chlorhexidine-alcohol solution. Attempted ignition with an open flame was then performed in the presence of visible pooling, as well as at time points 0, 30, 60, and 90 seconds after application, in addition to when the skin appeared visibly dry. Six samples were used for each time point tested. At time 0 seconds and with gross pooling, ignition was achieved with all samples tested. However, at 30 seconds, only 2 of 6 samples were ignited (which appeared wet). No samples after 60 or 90 seconds were flammable. Samples appeared dry after an average of 40.5 seconds and were not able to ignite. Although our findings do support that a chlorhexidine-alcohol antiseptic scrub is a potentially flammable surgical prep solution, we found little support for a 3-minute time cutoff. More importantly, the presence of pooling and persistently wet appearing prep is a more important fire risk than the time elapsed after prep application. Caution should be used when working with any flammable solution, and efforts to minimize chemical burns and combustion should be sought based on evidence.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
