One-Step 2% CHX-OH Compared to 4-Step Povidone Iodine Scrub, Rinse, Dry, and 5% PVI-OH for Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection

Abstract

The Center for Disease Control guidelines recommend that clean skin be prepared with >0.5% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol (CHX-OH) before invasive procedures. However, to date there has been insufficient data to evaluate CHX-OH compared with povidone iodine in alcohol (PVI-OH). This article presents results from a late-breaking clinical trial that suggests that the use of 1-step 2% CHX-OH without scrubbing was more effective than 4-step PVI-OH with scrubbing for preventing central venous catheter colonization.