Alcohol-based chlorhexidine vs. povidone iodine in reducing skin colonization prior to regional anesthesia procedures.

Background: Povidone-iodine is a commonly used antiseptic for preparing the skin for regional anesthesia. However chlorhexidine solution has been demonstrated superior for skin preparation before insertion of intravascular devices, taking of blood cultures and before epidural insertion in children. The information regarding the initial efficacy of these disinfectants has not yet been defined The purpose of the present study was to investigate the initial efficacy ofan alcohol-based chlorhexidine and povidone iodine solution as the antiseptic of choice for all regional techniques.