What is Chloraprep?
Chloraprep antiseptic is a product used in the medical field to help fight bacteria and the risk of infection. It is primarily used to cleanse the skin prior to surgery or injection or after an injury. Made up of isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine, Chloraprep is available in several delivery methods.
Normally, Chloraprep is used on a sponge-like apparatus that remains sterile until it's package is opened for use. The applicator is then applied directly to the area where the surgery or injection will occur.
These applicators can also be used on patients to clean the skin after the repair of deep wounds or lacerations but should never be applied directly on wounds or lacerations. It helps to cleanse the area and prevent any risk of infection.
The History of Chloraprep
Chloraprep has been in use for more than 60 years. It works as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent to prevent infection and speed up the healing process after an injury or surgical procedure.
Discovered in the 1950s, Chlorhexidine was created by Imperial Chemical Industries, Limited, located in Manchester, UK. It was discovered while attempting to create an anti-malarial agent.
After more than 4 years of research, it was introduced to the medical industry. Starting as an antimicrobial agent, it quickly became a popular disinfectant and topical anesthetic for minor procedures or injuries.
In the 1970s, a Chlorhexidine soap was introduced to the market that changed the way preparing for surgery was done. By using chlorhexidine soap as part of the handwashing procedures prior to surgery, infection rates dropped drastically as did patient mortality rates.
By 1981, Chlorhexidine was introduced for urology procedures such as catheter insertion. Catheters were impregnated with a solution made up of Chlorhexidine and Silver sulfadiazine.
In the 1990s, sponge dressings were impregnated with Chlorhexidine and used as an application for surgical incisions and wounds. This reduced the risk of bacterial infections after surgeries and as wounds healed. These sponge dressings are also sometimes called CHG disks.
In the year 2010, IV connectors and needle connectors started being impregnated with Chlorhexidine.
By the year 2012, in an effort to reduce the risk of infection to those patients who required IV medications, PICC lines or Central Lines were impregnated with Chlorhexidine. This was especially useful for patients receiving long-term treatment for diagnoses such as cancer.
Allergic Reactions to Chloraprep
While it would be a rare occurrence, there is the possibility that a patient can be allergic to Chloraprep. If there is a known allergy to any of the active ingredients (isopropyl alcohol or chlorhexidine) the product should not be used. Patients with existing allergies to foods, animals, dyes, or other medications pose a higher risk of an allergic reaction. This possibility should be discussed with a doctor prior to use.
Signs of allergic reactions to Chloraprep can include difficulty breathing including wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, swelling of the face, severe skin rash or hives, severe dizziness, cold sweats and more.
In more severe cases, there can be severe itching or burning of the skin and peeling or blistering skin at the site of application. If any of these symptoms present, discontinue use immediately and contact a doctor.
There isn’t any information regarding the safety to unborn or nursing children, therefore Chloraprep shouldn't be used for those who are pregnant or nursing. It is strongly advised that Chloraprep not be used on children under 2 months of age. The strength of the chemicals in Chloraprep can cause serious skin irritation to young skin.
How is Chloraprep Used?
Chloraprep is a topical agent applied directly to the skin prior to injection or surgical procedures. Chloraprep should never be ingested by anyone or applied directly to open wounds. Available in individual-use sterile packaging, always make sure you are using an applicator that was sealed prior to use.
Prior to application, the skin should be rinsed, cleaned and dried. As Chloraprep should never be applied to deep cuts or open skin wounds, make sure to inspect the application site before applying.
While the product is prepared under sterile conditions, it's not considered to be a sterile product. It should only be used with the enclosed applicator and then thrown away. Never reuse the applicator as this could cause contamination to the skin area where the product is applied.
Chloraprep has decreased the risk of infection for surgical patients, wound healing, and injections. It's now used in hospitals and clinical settings across the country and with good reason. It has improved the goal of reducing bacterial infections for many procedures.
Buy Chloraprep & CHG Disks
If you are looking to buy Chloraprep, CHG impregnated disks or other chlorhexidine-based products you’ve come to the right place. Preferred Medical is a leading distributor of medical supplies to hospitals, pharmacies and medical centers throughout the United States.
We carry a wide variety of chlorhexidine products including one-time use products as well as bulk chlorhexidine solutions. To find out more about our Chloraprep products and CHG impregnated disks. Our customer service representatives are standing by to answer your questions Contact us today toll-free at 800.772.7865. We look forward to hearing from you!