I am aware the chopraprerp-Chlorhexidine Gluconate, can not be use for spinal surgery or for lumbar punctures. However can it be used to clean a intraspinal catheter site after insertion during dressing changes. I have searched and searched but cant fine answer. Thought I would ask my friends here.
No. The skin antiseptic products available in the USA are a combination of chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol. It is the alcohol that poses the problem as it is a neurotoxic agent. The alcohol flashes off quickly so it would be gone before the puncture was made for an epidural catheter insertion. But for dressing changes it could move into the puncture site along the catheter track and reach the nerves. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861