The CHG skin preparation swab applicator is a medical device used for preoperative skin disinfection preparation. The following is a detailed introduction to it:

Product Overview

• Main components: Usually contains chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) as the main disinfection component. Some may also add a small amount of isopropanol and other auxiliary components to enhance the disinfection effect.
• Structural design: Composed of a swab stick and a cotton tip attached to one end. The cotton tip is soaked or adsorbed with an appropriate amount of CHG solution, which is convenient for direct application on the skin.

Characteristics

• Efficient disinfection: Chlorhexidine gluconate has a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect and has good killing effects on various pathogens such as Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. It can effectively reduce the risk of surgical site infections.
• Long-lasting antibacterial effect: Forms an antibacterial protective film on the skin surface and can continuously exert antibacterial effects. Even if there is a certain time interval between preoperative skin preparation and the start of surgery, it can still maintain a good antibacterial effect.
• Mild and low irritation: Compared with some traditional disinfectants such as iodine tincture, CHG is less irritating to the skin and is not easy to cause adverse reactions such as skin allergies and redness. Patients have a high degree of skin comfort after use.
• Convenient to use: The design of the swab applicator is convenient for medical staff to operate. The cotton tip can be directly evenly applied on the skin around the surgical site to ensure comprehensive coverage of the disinfection area. It is for single use, avoiding the risk of cross-infection.

Specific applications

• Preoperative skin preparation: Before surgery, medical staff use the CHG skin preparation swab applicator to disinfect the skin around the surgical incision. The scope usually includes at least 15-20 centimeters around the incision to create a relatively sterile surgical environment.
• Disinfection of central venous catheter insertion site: Before inserting a central venous catheter, use this applicator to disinfect the puncture site to help prevent catheter-related infections.
• Skin disinfection before other invasive procedures: Before invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture and bone marrow puncture, the CHG skin preparation swab applicator can also be used to disinfect the operation site to reduce the incidence of infections.

Precautions for use

• Skin cleaning: Before use, ensure that the skin surface is clean and free of dirt, grease, etc. If necessary, wash the skin with soap and water and dry it first to ensure the disinfection effect.
• Application method: When using, gently press the cotton tip on the skin and evenly apply it from the center of the disinfection area to the periphery with appropriate force to ensure that the CHG solution fully covers the skin surface and avoid omissions or repeated applications.
• Action time: Generally, let the CHG solution dry naturally on the skin. The action time is usually 2-3 minutes to ensure the best disinfection effect. During this period, the skin should be prevented from contacting other objects.
• Allergy test: Although CHG is relatively mild, a small number of patients may still be allergic to it. For patients with a history of allergies or hypersensitivity, a trial application can be performed on a small area of skin before use to observe whether there is an allergic reaction.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes: CHG has a certain degree of irritation. The applicator should be avoided from contacting mucous membranes such as eyes, mouth, and nose. If accidentally contacted, rinse immediately with a large amount of clean water.