Does anyone know of any research about the use of chloraprep in infants? I know that the FDA did not approve it specifically for infants, but I am trying to see if there is any new research out there. Our unit is trying to take another look at our product use and our policies. Any information that anyone may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jennifer Tucker RN, BSN

Hennepin County Medical Center, NICU

Minneapolis, MN

I am looking at the same subject. Thanks for bringing it up

Oh I need to know something too!

Anneliese Crawford, RN

We are using Chloraprep according to the NANN guidelines. We do not use it for any procedure that will contact the CSF ie., ventricular taps or LP's etc.

We are also interested in this, but so far since it is not approved for neonates we have not been allowed to use it. Suzie P.

While it is a valid point that chloraprep has not been approved for use in neonates, 75% of the medications and things that we use for neonates are not approved either. We talked with a few of the other NICU's in the area, most are using it, but with guidelines for gestation and procedure varying by hospital. We also met with representatives for the Chloraprep company who were able to give us copies of guidelines from other facilities. This is just going to have to be another thing that each NICU will have to try for themselves to see the results. Our biggest attraction to the product is that there is a continued 48 hour bacteriocidal effect after application to the skin, even if it is wiped off with water after the procedure is done. Wiping off with water does not damage the chlorhexidine molecule, so it is still on the skin with the same effects. The only thing that wiping down does is remove the alcohol, which can be drying and irritating for some. I hope that this helps some of you who are looking at this. We are going to start using it soon, so we will see how it goes. If any of you are starting to use it, I would be interested in how you are implementing it and how it is working out.

Jennifer Tucker RN

We are also going to all Chloraprep, we use saline wipes to take off the excess. We have been using cvl kits with the chlora in it for about 3 years now and haven't had a problem with it. You just have to make sure everyone knows to wipe the excess off.