Why do nurses and physicians use 70 alcohol to wipe the skin before giving injection?

The use of 70% alcohol to wipe the skin before giving an injection is a common practice in healthcare due to its effectiveness as an antiseptic agent and its ability to cleanse the injection site.

Here's a detailed explanation of why 70% alcohol is the preferred choice:

1. Rapid Germicidal Action: 70% alcohol rapidly inactivates most bacteria and viruses present on the skin. The high concentration of alcohol causes microbial cell membrane disruption, leading to cell death and inactivation of microorganisms.

2. Optimal Balance of Water and Alcohol: The 30% water content in 70% alcohol allows for better penetration of the skin surface. This combination ensures effective microbial killing without causing significant skin damage.

3. Quick Evaporation: 70% alcohol evaporates relatively quickly, leaving the skin dry and free from any residue that could potentially contaminate the injection site.

4. Less Painful Compared to Higher Alcohol Concentrations: Concentrations of alcohol above 70% tend to cause more skin irritation and discomfort when applied to the injection site. 70% alcohol strikes a good balance between effective disinfection and minimal pain for patients.

5. Recommended by Infection Control Guidelines: Various infection control guidelines and best practices recommend the use of 70% alcohol as a skin antiseptic before injections to minimize the risk of infection and maintain patient safety.

6. Affordable and Widely Available: 70% alcohol is readily available and cost-effective, making it a feasible choice for healthcare institutions, especially those with limited resources.

It's worth noting that while 70% alcohol is commonly used, some institutions and specific cases may require alternative antiseptics or skin preparation techniques based on specific patient conditions, infection control protocols, or the recommendations of healthcare authorities.