CHG Disinfection Swabs: Intimate Guardians in Medical Care

I. Specific Applications

CHG disinfection swabs have a wide range of applications in the medical field. In hospital operating rooms, medical staff will use CHG disinfection swabs to disinfect the patient’s surgical site before surgery. Whether it is abdominal surgery, limb surgery, or head surgery, these disinfection swabs can effectively remove bacteria and dirt on the skin surface of the surgical site, creating a relatively sterile environment for the surgery and greatly reducing the risk of postoperative infection. In the wards, for the possible pressure ulcer sites of long – term bedridden patients, medical staff can use CHG disinfection swabs for regular disinfection to prevent the deterioration of pressure ulcer infections.

In dental clinics, CHG disinfection swabs are also essential. Before operations such as tooth extraction and filling, dentists will use them to disinfect the skin and mucous membranes around the mouth to ensure the hygiene of the operation process. In dermatology outpatient clinics, when doctors examine patients with skin diseases, such as eczema and herpes, CHG disinfection swabs can be used to disinfect local skin lesions to prevent secondary infections during the examination.

II. Usage Methods

Using CHG disinfection swabs is very simple. When preparing for disinfection, first ensure that your hands are clean, and then take out a CHG disinfection swab from the package. If disinfecting a small area of skin, such as a small wound on a finger, simply hold the swab and gently apply the swab head containing chlorhexidine gluconate to the skin around the wound. Make circular applications outward from the wound as the center, with a diameter of the application range of about 2 – 3 cm, ensuring that the area where bacteria may exist is covered.

If disinfecting a larger area of skin, such as the abdominal skin before surgery, multiple swabs can be arranged in sequence. Start from the center of the surgical site and gradually apply in a spiral shape towards the periphery. The application area of each swab should partially overlap with the previous one to ensure that there is no omission in disinfection. During the application, ensure that the swab head is in full contact with the skin, but do not apply too much force to avoid damaging the skin.

III. Precautions

When using CHG disinfection swabs, there are some matters that need attention. First, check the expiration date of the swabs. Expired CHG disinfection swabs may lose their disinfection effect due to the reduced activity of chlorhexidine gluconate and cannot be used. Second, if the swab head is found to be dry or has abnormal conditions such as discoloration after opening the package, it should not be used.

During use, avoid touching the swab head with your hands to prevent contamination of the swab. For patients with allergic constitutions, it is best to test on a small area of skin before using CHG disinfection swabs to observe whether there is an allergic reaction. If symptoms such as skin redness and itching occur, stop using immediately and take corresponding treatment measures.

IV. Advantages

CHG disinfection swabs have many advantages. Its main component, chlorhexidine gluconate, is a broad – spectrum antibacterial agent, which enables it to inhibit and kill a variety of bacteria and fungi, and the disinfection effect is reliable. Moreover, compared with some other disinfectants, it is less irritating to the skin. For example, when disinfecting children’s skin, children’s skin is relatively delicate, and CHG disinfection swabs can achieve the purpose of disinfection while reducing harm to children’s skin, making it easier for children to accept.

The portability of these disinfection swabs is also very good. Each swab is individually packaged, which is very convenient whether placed in a first – aid kit or carried by medical staff. In case of injury in the wild or sudden medical emergencies, they can be quickly taken out for disinfection treatment, buying precious time for wound treatment.