Antiseptics Used in Hospitals

Antiseptics are substances that can be applied to skin to reduce or prevent the risk of infection. Unlike antibiotics, antiseptics do not actually kill microbial bacteria but help keep surfaces clean. They were not used in hospitals until the late 19th century.

• Antiseptics keep hospitals sterile.

History

• Antiseptics were first introduced into hospitals by British surgeon Joseph L. Lister. He began experimenting with a number of chemicals after he found that many diseases are caused by bacteria. He experimented with solutions containing carbolic acid to try to kill germs and prevent the risk of infection. In 1867 he published his successful findings in the British medical journal The Lancet. Lister's research did not convince many medical practitioners, though some doctors did start following his example, and by the turn of the century the use of antiseptics in hospitals had saved many lives and encouraged doctors to treat more patients in hospitals where they could be sure they had a sterile environment.

Significance

• Bacteria need oxygen, moisture, a conducive temperature and food to proliferate. Antiseptics are made up of various chemicals which eliminate the necessary conditions for bacteria to thrive by sterilizing the surfaces on which they are found.

When Antisptic Should Be Used in a Hospital

• In a hospital setting, antiseptics are not meant to be used on inanimate objects. Disinfectant or other processes of sterilization are used for this purpose. Antiseptics are used for sterilizing the skin or preparing the cervix or vaginal area for a surgical procedure, washing the hands before a contact with an infected patient or before an invasive procedure and for a surgical scrub.

Types

• The most common antiseptics and their uses in hospital are chlorhexidine with cetrimide (such as Savlon). They should be directly applied to the skin with sterile cotton or Iodophors (such as Betadine) and left on the skin for two minutes then wiped off with sterile cotton. Another alternative is 4 percent chlorhexidine (such as Hibiclens). This should be applied directly to the skin with sterile cotton.

Antiseptic Resistance

• There is a known drug-resistant bacteria called MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) . This bacteria has been discovered in hospital equipment that is regularly and heavily disinfected such as soap dispensers and catheters. Because of the repeated use of small amounts of antiseptics that are meant to kill them, the bacteria have managed to build up a resistance to them. Some types of the resistant bacteria have actually developed pumps which they use to remove the antiseptic from their cells. MRSA poses a significant health threat to hospital patients.

Useful Fact

• If you need an antiseptic at home in a hurry, and you don't have any proprietary brands available, use vinegar. Vinegar is a highly effective antiseptic, and it also has antibiotic properties, which means it will kill germs on contact.