Surgical skin preparation — are we just going around in circles?

摘要

Aseptic care of the skin prior to any breach is of paramount importance to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI), as each time the skin is incised or punctured a portal of entry for microorganisms exists. The application of an appropriate skin preparation agent is significant, but arguably given less significance is the technique employed to apply the solution itself. Historically, concentric circles were the method of choice for aseptic skin preparation. More recently, a back-and-forth motion is being advocated within the National Health Service (NHS). This article will examine the current literature and seek to determine if evidence exists to support either method demonstrating greater efficacy.