Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
04:25
A Mice Model of Chlorhexidine Gluconate-Induced Peritoneal Damage
Published on: April 28, 2022
Time-dependent effect of chlorhexidine surgical prep.
D J Stinner1, C A Krueger, B D Masini
1United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|October 18, 2011
Summary
Higher concentrations and longer contact times of chlorhexidine (CHG) are more effective at reducing bacterial load, thus preventing surgical site infections. The study recommends using 4% CHG with a 2-minute contact time for optimal surgical preparation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Safety
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) persist despite advances in prevention.
- Antiseptic efficacy is crucial for mitigating SSIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the time-dependent effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHG) at different concentrations.
- To determine optimal CHG concentrations and contact times for surgical preparation.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial reduction assay using bioluminescent Staphylococcus aureus.
- Application of aqueous chlorhexidine at 4%, 2%, and 0.4% concentrations.
- Quantification of bacterial load using photon-counting imaging over time.
Main Results:
- Chlorhexidine effectiveness correlates with concentration and contact time.
- 4% and 2% CHG showed similar efficacy at 2 minutes, significantly reducing bacterial load compared to 0.4% CHG.
- At 1 hour, 4% CHG demonstrated the greatest bacterial reduction (9% remaining), while 0.4% CHG had the highest residual load (19%).
Conclusions:
- Chlorhexidine's bactericidal activity is directly proportional to its concentration.
- Optimal effectiveness requires adequate contact time, with a minimum of 2 minutes recommended.
- The study recommends 4% chlorhexidine with a 2-minute contact time for surgical site preparation to minimize SSIs.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
01:19Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
01:15Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
Circadian rhythms are cyclic changes that are crucial in plasma drug concentrations. Various standard circadian parameters, including core body temperature, heart rate, and other cardiovascular factors, directly impact disease states and the therapeutic response to drug therapy.
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Equipment Required
01:14Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Duration of Dose-Effect Relationship
For drugs producing a quantal response, onset occurs when plasma concentration reaches a minimum effective level (Cmin). The drug's action duration depends on how long the plasma concentration remains above Cmin.Two primary factors influence this duration: dose size and the rate of drug removal from the action site. Both depend on the drug's redistribution to poorly perfused tissues and elimination processes. A larger dose promotes rapid onset and prolongs the effect's duration.Consider a...
01:23Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Influence of Elimination Half-Life on Effect Duration
Drug elimination from the body primarily occurs through metabolic and excretion pathways. Hepatic metabolism transforms lipophilic drugs into hydrophilic forms for excretion, typically via enzymatic processes classified as phase I (modification) and phase II (conjugation). Renal excretion eliminates drugs and metabolites through filtration and secretion in the kidneys. Impairment in liver or kidney function can hinder these processes, delaying drug clearance and extending the drug’s half-life.