Skin antisepsis during steady-state hyperbaric exposure and subsequent decompression

A custom-made container for the transfer of bacteriological sampling pads was used in a trial to test the feasibility of human skin disinfection during saturation or steady-state diving and subsequent decompression. Analysis of the results of colony counting and typing from 6 days of pre- and postcleansing samples taken during a recent saturation dive indicates that the skin of hyperbaric chamber occupants can be effectively sterilized in the event of a need to prepare for anesthetic or surgical procedures while still under pressure. A separate survey was also made to establish any pattern of change in bacterial flora of the chamber interior during the trial. Results of this survey are briefly discussed.