Description
This cooperatively written project explored multiple peer-reviewed studies related to the antiseptic effectiveness of chlorhexidine versus povidone-iodine in the insertion of intravascular devices. Despite most research showing that chlorhexidine leads to a lower rate of infections, chlorhexidine is not always used in practice. Although most studies point toward chlorhexidine being the stronger antiseptic agent, some studies are not able to reproduce that same result. Tracking infections comes with a multitude of variables, all of which can't be excluded in a single study. Although the results are somewhat inconsistent between studies, no study shows any harm caused by Chlorhexidine. In conclusion, chlorhexidine should be implemented into practice for intravascular device insertion based on research done so far, however more research is required to further knowledge on how and when it is most effective.
