Antiseptic - a substance that prevents or arrests the growth or
action of microorganisms
either by inhibiting their activity or destroying them. Used especially
for preparations
applied to living tissue. FDA(974)
The representation that a drug is an antiseptic should be considered to
be a representation
that it is a germicide or a bacteriostatic antiseptic drug requiring
prolonged contact. FDASEC. 201. [321]
Two classes: the first will kill
microorganisms (germicide)
and the second that will inhibit their activity (bacteriostatic
antiseptic) without necessarily
killing them (a bandage or surgical dressing, an ointment or
powder).
Washing with soap and water is the most effective way to decrease the
number of
microorganisms on the surface of the skin by physically removing them.
Use of an antiseptic is not a substitute for washing but the second step
of skin
preparation used for surgical procedures and suggested for skin
preparation for tattoo
and piercing. Skin Preparation Requirements
Patient Preoperative Skin Preparation: A safe, fast acting,
broad-spectrum, antimicrobial-
containing preparation that significantly reduces the number of
microorganisms
on intact skin.
Published studies reasoned that the microbial flora of concern is the
microorganisms
that can move across the surface of the skin to the wound boundaries when
wet or damp under the drapes or dressings during (surgical) procedures. Geelhoed, GW;
Sharpe, K,
1983, The rationale and ritual of preoperative skin preparation, Contemp.
Surg., 23, 31-36);
Geelhoed, GW, Sharpe, K, Simon GL, 1983, A comparative study of surgical
skin
preparation. Surg. Gynecol. Obstet., 157, 165-268; Rhodeheaver G, 1983 -
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