Anyone ever pack a wound with betadine soaked gauze?

Updated:   Published

betadine-soaked-gause-irritate-wound.jpg.c5fa2be598d70e7ba69f8b5fdcb2e321.jpg

Saw a nurse pack a surgical wound down to tendon, bone, and muscle with betadine soaked gauze… just the regular betadine in the bottle. I think it’s 10% diluted. 

I’ve never seen this before. I would’ve thought this would irritate the wound. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in school nurse.

Back in the day, 1/4 or 1/2 strength betadine, but that was a long time ago...

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yup... That is what the wound MDs order frequently.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CT ,ICU,CCU,Tele,ED,Hospice.

Yes used to do it frequently when I worked CT surgery.Pts with sternal wound infections ,would go to surgery then come back with open chest we would do packed betadine for the wound.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CWS Certified Wound Specialist.

It's done, but as a wound consultant I would NEVER RECOMMEND this due to cytotoxicity. There are so many alternatives. 

The only time I would ever recommend Betadine soaked gauze would be when someone comes in with a completely wet gangrenous foot that is going for imminent amputation

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion