Skin prep pre-procedure

[amysnurse]

Hi, I have a question regarding preparing the skin prior to a minor procedure, such as removing a skin lesion. My provider has asked me to prepare the skin using a povidone-iodine swabstick. Do I let it dry and then leave it? Or am I supposed to wipe it off or?  

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Please direct this question to your provider. We cannot answer this question for your provider. 

[Nunya, BSN]

I've always been told you let the povidine dry, don't wipe it off.  Then ask your provider if they want you to clean it with alcohol or just leave it.  

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Antiseptics for Skin Prep (Pads and Swabs) Nursing Skills

 

Povidine needs to air dry to decrease bacterial skin burden; however leaves brown color to skin.. Some providers request alcohol prep afterward so color removed in order to visualize site more clearly.

Skin prep procedure is facility/provider specific so discuss with them!

[amysnurse]

On 9/27/2020 at 3:22 PM, Rose_Queen said:

Please direct this question to your provider. We cannot answer this question for your provider. 

Thank you for your response. I understand it's a providers decision on how they would like it done but I was just curious what the majority of people have done, in their experience. 

8 hours ago, Nunya said:

I've always been told you let the povidine dry, don't wipe it off.  Then ask your provider if they want you to clean it with alcohol or just leave it.  

Thank you! 

4 hours ago, NRSKarenRN said:

Antiseptics for Skin Prep (Pads and Swabs) Nursing Skills

 

Povidine needs to air dry to decrease bacterial skin burden; however leaves brown color to skin.. Some providers request alcohol prep afterward so color removed in order to visualize site more clearly.

Skin prep procedure is facility/provider specific so discuss with them!

Thank you!