Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Toledo University, USA
Research Article
Duration of at Home Preoperative Skin Antiseptics Against Common Shoulder Pathogens
Author(s): Ethan Sawyer*, Evan Johnson, Lester Hubble, Caleb Freeman and Paul Watson
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the duration of efficacy of 0.13% benzalkonium chloride
(BAC), 4% chlorhexidine and 70% Ethanol in decreasing MRSA and Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) colonization
and regrowth when plated on culture media. Specifically, the study was aimed at determining how long the antiseptics
can be applied preoperatively while remaining effective.
Methods: Sterile discs saturated with either 0.13% BAC, 4% chlorhexidine, or 70% ethanol were placed on 5%
sheep blood agar plates cultured with either MRSA or C. acnes. The clearance of bacteria surrounding the discs
was measured at 24 hour increments for a total of 120 hours to determine the original zone of inhibition (ZOI) as
well as any bacterial regrowth.
Result: 4% chlorhexidine and 0.13.. View More»