title: Chlorhexidine Only Works If Applied Correctly: Use of a Simple Colorimetric Assay to Provide Monitoring and Feedback on Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine Application.
abstract: We used a colorimetric assay to determine the presence of chlorhexidine on skin, and we identified deficiencies in preoperative bathing and daily bathing in the intensive care unit. Both types of bathing improved with an intervention that included feedback to nursing staff. The assay provides a simple and rapid method of monitoring the performance of chlorhexidine bathing.
authors.affiliation: 1Research Service,Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Supple
authors.affiliation: 1Research Service,Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kumaraswami
authors.affiliation: 2Department of Medicine,Case Western Reserve University,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Sirisha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kundrapu
authors.affiliation: 2Department of Medicine,Case Western Reserve University,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Venkata
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sunkesula
authors.affiliation: 2Department of Medicine,Case Western Reserve University,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cadnum
authors.affiliation: 1Research Service,Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Nerandzic
authors.affiliation: 3Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center,Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center,10701 East Boulevard,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Myreen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tomas
authors.affiliation: 2Department of Medicine,Case Western Reserve University,Cleveland,Ohio.
authors.forename: Curtis J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Donskey
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D001494:Baths; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D003124:Colorimetry; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine