Evaluation of ChloraPrep (2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol) for skin antisepsis in preparation for blood culture collection.
OBJECTIVE
Blood culture contamination is a significant adverse event. This study evaluated whether using ChloraPrep (2% alcoholic chlorhexidine) instead of 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes reduced contamination rates on two Medical Assessment Units (MAU1 and MAU2).


METHODS
ChloraPrep was introduced for 2 to 3-month intervention periods, initially on MAU1 and MAU2 and subsequently on MAU1 only. Contamination rates were compared with a matched time period in the preceding year and the three month period before ChloraPrep introduction. Education regarding venepucture technique was delivered.


RESULTS
Contamination rates for the time matched pre-intervention period were 17.3% (51/295), MAU1 and 13.5% (31/230), MAU2. During the initial period of ChloraPrep use, rates declined (MAU1; 6.6% [P<0.001], MAU2; 8.5% [P=0.11] both Fisher's Exact Test). However, rates had already started to fall prior to ChloraPrep introduction. There was a non-significant difference between contamination rates in the comparator period immediately prior to ChloraPrep introduction and rates during the first intervention period (MAU1 and MAU2; P>0.05). During the second intervention period, absence of ChloraPrep on MAU2 did not significantly affect contamination (P=0.41) on this ward.


CONCLUSIONS
ChloraPrep skin antisepsis did not give a significant reduction in blood culture contamination, but education may have led to the trend to lower contamination.
McLellan
E
E
Department of Microbiology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, United Kingdom. elizabeth.mclellan@sth.nhs.uk
Townsend
R
R
Parsons
H K
HK
D019840:2-Propanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000985:Antisepsis / Q000379:methods*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001769:Blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004493:Education; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*
D004202:Disinfectants; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D019840:2-Propanol; D002710:Chlorhexidine