Background and Objectives: Skin asepsis is a crucial measure for preventing infectious complications of central neuraxial block, i.e.  meninigitis. The aim of this study was to comparative evaluatation of effectiveness of some conventional surgical antiseptic solutions and to identify the most effective one.

Material and Methods: Effectiveness of Hygenium was com­pared with Povidone-iodine (10% Betadine) as skin antiseptic prior to administration of central neuraxial block. Two rounds of sampling were conducted, one before application of antiseptic solution and the second after skin preparation with antiseptic solution. Colonies were counted after 48 hours of aerobic incubation at 37°C. All counts were conducted twice. Positive cultures were identified and their frequencies were compared. Data were summarized using descriptive statistical methods. Comparison of counts between groups was performed.

Results: Out of 131 samples, positive culture in Hygenium as compared to Povidone-iodine (4.6% v 6.2%) is statistically not significant showing equal efficacy. Staph. aureus, Staph epidermidis, Streptococcus, Diptheroids are most common organisms isolated in both the groups for testing the antiseptic efficacy.

Conclusions: Povidone-iodine and Hygenium are equally effective as antiseptic. Hygenium can preferably used in situations where lesser time is required for preparation of skin prior to administration of central neuraxial block and when patient positioning is difficult.

Keywords: Povidone-iodine, Alcohol-based Solutions, Hygienium, Skin asepsis,

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Dr Dulal K.Soren

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