Effects of Skin Preparation Solutions on Surgical Site Markings
Author Information
Author(s): Mears Simon C. MD, PhD, Dinah A. Feroz MRCS(Eng), Knight Trevor A. BS, Frassica Frank J. MD, Belkoff Stephen M. PhD
Primary Institution: International Center for Orthopaedic Advancement, Johns Hopkins University/Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
Hypothesis
How do Chloraprep and Duraprep affect the visibility of surgical site markings after skin preparation?
Conclusion
Chloraprep erased more surgical site markings than Duraprep.
Supporting Evidence
- Chloraprep was 21.8 times more likely to erase site markings than Duraprep.
- Surgeons correctly identified 84.7% of letters in the Chloraprep group compared to 94.7% in the Duraprep group.
- Only 58% of initials in the Chloraprep group were recognized well enough for a surgical time-out.
Takeaway
This study found that one type of skin cleaner makes it harder to see the marks that tell doctors where to operate.
Methodology
The study involved marking skin flaps with a permanent marker and applying either Chloraprep or Duraprep to assess the visibility of the markings.
Potential Biases
The authors had no commercial associations that might pose a conflict of interest.
Limitations
The study could not standardize the amount of ink used for marking, and the specific marker used may be more susceptible to Chloraprep.
Participant Demographics
Caucasian male cadavers were used for the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% credible interval, 7.3–86.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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