What are you using for vag preps?

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Our OR uses Betadine for vag preps. If a patient is allergic to Iodine, the circulator will use CHG. We just found out that CHG is not to be used on mucous membranes and are looking for an alternative prep. Is anyone using Techni-Care? If so, how well does it work, easy to use?

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Specializes in ICU, Surgery.

If allergic to betadine, we use phisohex.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Phisohex if allergic to betadine.

If not, paint sticks for things like D and C's, D and E's, hysteroscopies, HTAs.

If A and P repair, TVT, TVH, a lady partsl scrup prep kit.

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When we can't use Betadine, we use diluted Hippiclens (sorry bad spelling) for the perineum and then sterile saline for the actual lady parts. If the surgeon insists on Hippiclens for the lady parts, I use the second stick with saline only to rinse some of it out and then again after the procedure. Seems like there should be a better solution. (no pun intended)

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

"hippiclens" - hey finally a good use for all those hippies!:lol2:

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Thanks for the info. We are looking at Techni-care as Chlorhexadine is contraindicated for prepping mucous membranes. We were using CHG.

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Specializes in All Surgical Specialties.

Technicare is a great bacteriocide. Too good actually. Be sure to wash the lady parts out with lots of water or saline after the case or your patient is likely to get a yeast infection. The sustained kill of the prep slows repopulation of normal flora which ofter leads to yeast growth.

I can't believe anyone uses CHG or phisohex in the lady parts. Sure it does a nice job at killing germs but the labeling specifically contradicts use in mucous membranes. Don't invite a liability claim when you have other options!

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