Use of 1 w/v% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Alcohol Formulation for Reducing The Risk of Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection

Abstract

  In Japan, 10% povidone-iodine solution (10% PVP–I) is commonly used for precatheter preparation. Recently, the CDC 2011 guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections clearly recommended skin preparation with alcohol containing >0.5% CHG as a means of preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). Since then, CHG–alcohol products have been more widely used. Japanese pharmaceutical regulations limit CHG content in skin antiseptics to a maximum of 1%. Under these circumstances, we present some properties of 1 w/v% chlorhexidine gluconate in ethanol formulation (1% CHG–EtOH). We found that 1% CHG–EtOH had comprehensive advantages of antimicrobial efficacy (long-lasting effects), safety in use (low potential for skin irritation) and clinical efficacy (reduced CRBSI in clinical studies). Considering these findings, 1% CHG–EtOH is expected to perform well at the catheter insertion site to reduce the risk of CRBSI.