CHG Preoperative Bathing

[ama11a, BSN]

While reviewing surgical site infections in our hospital, we realized that our policy on preoperative bathing is very loose. We are going to develop a protocol for preoperative bathing using CHG and are wanting to get a feel for what other facilities do. What do y´all do at your facilities for preop bathing?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Outpatient: shower night before and morning of with 4% CHG.

Emergency department patient: receives 4% CHG bath in preop unit. Typically bathing isn’t done in ER because they have other priorities to deal with.

Patient from inpatient nursing unit: CHG bath night before and morning of.

[Kallie3006, ADN]

Scheduled surgeries get the bottle of CHG and bath before coming to the hospital and admitted patients get at least 1, preferably 2, CHG baths prior to surgery

[emmjayy, BSN, RN]

Same as other posters. Preferably 2 CHG baths prior to surgery, 1 is acceptable if circumstances don't allow for 2. CHG only for all bathing while in the hospital (this goes for all patients, not just surgical ones).