I need to know the reason for INS standard 41: "Alcohol should not be applied after the application of povidone-iodine preparation."
The facility where I work has a central line dressing change policy that states to cleanse the site with povidone-iodine, then remove with alcohol. (This is only for the patients who have skin reaction/sensitivity to the Chloraprep, which is our first agent of choice. ) We are wanting to change our policy to reflect the INS standards. Members of the committee are asking for the rationale behind this standard.
Thank you in advance.
You totally negate the effect of the povidone iodine when you wipe it off with the alcohol. Alcohol has no lasting antibacterial effect - the povidine iodine is intended to provide this longer effectiveness at the site.
Wendy Erickson RN
Eau Claire WI