A review of anti-septic agents for pre-operative skin preparation.

Pre-operative skin preparation of the surgical site using appropriate anti-septic product is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection, 1999, as a strongly recommended intervention to prevent surgical site infection. This article reviews anti-septic surgical skin preparation products according to the Food and Drug Administration classifications, efficacy, and safety. It also examines pertinent research regarding anti-septic products. This information provides the peri-operative registered nurse with information to make appropriate decisions when choosing anti-septic skin preparation products for surgical patients.