jaygee

Re cleaning with alco wipes prior to administration of Clexane (Enoxaparin) - in our latest Clexane in-service we were advised not to wipe as the needles are coated with silicone to facilitate insertion. The alcohol removes the silicone as it enters the skin thus negating the purpose of the silicone. I too have read articles that state not swabbing prior to subcut injections has not shown to increase infection. Yes admittedly if the skin is obviously dirty, use soap and water but millions of people inject themselves with insulin everyday with no adverse effect from not swabbing. I did nurse a lady a few years ago who had used alco wipes every day prior to insulin injections and she had a wide band of leathery skin around her abdomen that you could not penetrate with a needle! Terrible. I encourage my students to ask their buddy nurses for their rationale when using alco wipes prior to subcut injections and they usually say "that's how I was taught" or "everyone does it that way". I wish I could find some research articles to put this matter to rest!