Nasal Antisepsis Methods: Povidone-Iodine vs Alcohol Based Solutions

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are unforeseen complications of surgeries as a result of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Often these SSIs are caused by bacteria that are naturally found on a person's body, specifically their own personal flora found in the nares. A method of eliminating this colonization is critical in decreasing rates of SSIs. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the best solution of nasal antisepsis to use in my nursing capstone preoperative unit in order to eliminate the colonies of nasal bacteria in patients undergoing surgeries involving implants. Two solutions were identified as most commonly used antiseptics: povidone-iodine and alcohol. Currently, povidone-iodine is being used per hospital policy at my capstone facility but for the purpose of bettering infection control, the facility is open to looking at both solutions. Bacterial death percentage, ease of use, length of effectiveness, cost to the facility, and patient compliance were elements considered for this research. The outcome of this research will be to provide the preoperative unit and the facility with the needed information in order to identify and implement the best nasal antiseptic in regards to decreasing the rate of infections following surgeries involving implants.