Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
Are multiple-use bottles of chlorhexidine solutions at risk of contamination in joint replacement surgery?
C O Aquilina1, A L Aquilina1, J Webb1
1University of Bristol, UK.
Introduction:
Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% w/v in isopropanol 70% solutions in multiple-use bottles is commonly used in surgery as a cost-effective method for skin disinfection. However, multiple-use bottles risk contamination. This study aims to test whether bacterial contamination of multiple-use bottles or their solutions occurs once open and on use between different patients.
Methods:
Consecutive samples were taken each time a chlorhexidine bottle was used over a 7-day study period. Samples were tested using blood culture, agar plate and mass spectrometry.
Results:
No growth was observed in 52 samples taken from 18 bottles inoculated into blood culture bottles. Four growths on agar plate culture were determined to be contaminants from the sampling process.
Conclusions:
This study supports the use of multiple-use bottled chlorhexidine solutions as safe and cost-effective in surgical practice.
Insights
Multiple-use chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin disinfectant bottles are safe for surgical use. Testing confirmed no significant bacterial contamination occurred during a 7-day study period.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Antisepsis
- Microbial Contamination Studies
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
Background:
- Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in isopropanol is a widely used, cost-effective surgical skin disinfectant.
- Concerns exist regarding potential bacterial contamination of multi-use CHG bottles during clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risk of bacterial contamination in multi-use chlorhexidine gluconate bottles after opening and during patient use.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of commonly used surgical skin disinfectants.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive sampling from 18 multi-use CHG bottles over a 7-day period.
- Microbiological analysis using blood culture, agar plate culture, and mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- No bacterial growth was detected in 52 samples analyzed via blood culture.
- Four instances of bacterial growth on agar plates were identified as sampling process contaminants.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the continued use of multi-use bottled chlorhexidine gluconate solutions in surgical settings.
- Findings indicate that these solutions remain safe and cost-effective for skin disinfection.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:19Handwashing II: Pre-procedure and Initial Procedure Steps
The hand washing procedure itself includes the following steps. First, cover cuts, if any, on hands with a waterproof dressing. Cuts and abrasions can become contaminated with bacteria hindering the ability to clean the area thoroughly. In addition, repeated hand washing can worsen an injury. The nails must be short and clean, without nail...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:22Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Stability-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
01:15Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps