Antimicrobial activity of a novel adhesive containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) against the resident microflora in human volunteers.

Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a new, transparent composite film dressing, whose adhesive contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), against the native microflora present on human skin.

Methods: CHG-containing adhesive film dressings and non-antimicrobial control film dressings were applied to the skin on the backs of healthy human volunteers without antiseptic preparation. Dressings were removed 1, 4 or 7 days after application.

Some basic points concerning meta-analysis.

Multiple studies have been performed on a variety of substances, often producing contradictory results. Meta-analysis has provided a means of evaluating these disparate results, combining them into a summary statistic. Using continuous data for baseline and one sample point, several studies were evaluated to achieve a single result, demonstrating the meta-analysis evaluation process.

Evaluation of persistent antimicrobial effects of an antimicrobial formulation.

Context: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is becoming more prevalent in healthy athletic populations. Various preventive measures have been proposed, but few researchers have evaluated the protective effects of a prophylactic application of a commercially available product.

Objective: To compare the persistent antimicrobial properties of a commercially available antimicrobial product containing 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) with those of a mild, nonmedicated soap (Dr.

Comparative of a new and innovative 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloth with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate as topical antiseptic for preparation of the skin prior to surgery.

Background: Decreasing the microbial skin burden reduces the risk of surgical site infection (SSI). The present study compares the activity of an innovative 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated preoperative skin preparation cloth (PC) with a standard application procedure with a 4% CHG surgical skin preparation (SP).

Methods: A paired, randomized, parallel phase III study was conducted adhering to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) design criteria for evaluating preoperative skin preparations.

Evaluation of two methods of determining the efficacies of two alcohol-based hand rubs for surgical hand antisepsis.

The antimicrobial efficacies of preparations for surgical hand antisepsis can be determined according to a European standard (prEN 12791 [EN]) and a U.S. standard (tentative final monograph for health care antiseptic drug products [TFM]).

Efficacy of preoperative antimicrobial skin preparation solutions on biofilm bacteria.

RESEARCH ON THE MEDICAL EFFICACY of topical antimicrobials and antibiotics against infections has focused largely on the effect on free-floating, planktonic bacteria. IN THE PRESENCE OF nonbiological surfaces (eg, catheters, prosthetic devices, biomaterials), however, bacteria form highly complex biofilm systems that resist traditional medical treatment. BACTERIAL PATHOGENS commonly found in chronic infections in both the planktonic and biofilm state were challenged with a variety of commonly used topical antimicrobial formulations.

Hand scrub products--performance requirements versus clinical relevance.

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates antimicrobial label claims for surgical hand scrub products. Surgical scrub products must meet preset performance criteria for immediate, persistent, and residual antimicrobial properties. Although the test currently used to validate surgical hand scrub products is rigorous in research methodology, it lacks practical clinical relevance.

A simulated-use evaluation of a strategy for preventing biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines.

Background: Prevention of biofilm formation is important in the maintenance of dental unit waterline systems. Without effective control measures, the waterlines will become contaminated with routine use.

Methods: The authors used a simulated-use dental unit waterline system to evaluate the ability of a test product, A-dec ICX (A-dec, Newburg, Ore.

Taking care of patients and caring for patients are not the same.

THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT difference between taking care of patients and caring for patients. TAKING CARE OF PATIENTS emphasizes objective, professional care, such as the medical and psychological aspects of nursing. CARING FOR PATIENTS, on the other hand, is a humanistic way of interacting with patients that demonstrates sincere care and concern for patients simply because they are human beings.