Why is it important to wash patients skin with soap before using iodine prep for surgery?

It is important to wash a patient's skin with soap before using iodine prep for surgery because it helps to :

- Remove surface dirt and debris from the skin.

- Reduce the number of bacteria on the skin.

- Help the iodine prep adhere better to the skin.

- Prevent potential infection at the surgical site.

- Increase the effectiveness of the iodine preparation by allowing it to penetrate the skin more easily.

By washing the skin with soap prior to applying iodine prep, the surgical team can significantly reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) and ensure a safer surgical procedure for the patient.