title: An audit of pre-operative skin preparative methods.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A study into how pre-operative skin preparation varies between surgical units and surgeons.
  
  
  METHODS
  A postal audit of general, vascular and thoracic surgeons in Northern Ireland was conducted together with a literature review to establish best practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall, 73 surgeons were contacted, and 63 (86.3%) responded. There was marked variation in shaving of the operative site. A wide range of solutions was used, and 14 different sequences were employed. All surgeons used a swab or sponge to apply the solutions. Several drying methods were employed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is variation in the method of skin preparation employed between surgical units and surgeons. There is limited evidence-based research on this topic. Recommendations are made as to best practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, UK.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: McGrath
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McCrory
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D009660:Northern Ireland; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011364:Professional Practice; D012867:Skin; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods*; D015503:Surgical Sponges
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local