Comparison of bactericidal properties of alcohol-based chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine prior to amniocentesis.

Objective: To compare the bactericidal properties of povidone-iodine versus alcohol-based chlorhexidine solution for cleansing the gravid abdomen prior to amniocentesis.

Methods: Fifty study participants were recruited from the University of Texas Women's Clinic in Houston, Texas. Two baseline swabs of the patients' abdomens were obtained to assess bacterial flora prior to treatment.