Efficacy of betadine and decosept for surgical hand scrub on bacterial colony count

 Introduction: The aim of this clinical trial was to comparison efficacy of Betadine and an Alcoholic agent (Decosept) on Bacterial colony count (BCC) in social provides Hospital in Khoramabad (west of Iran) in may 2007.

 Methods: 20 Operating Room Nrses were washed their hands for I min with soap. The bacterial pre value was obtained by rubbing fingertips in Triptych Soy Broth (TSB) for 1 min. Then, each subject scrubbed their hands with Betadine (Povidone Iodine 7.5 %) for 3 min. Bacterial post value (immediate effect) was obtained for one hand and the other hand was gloved for 2 h. After the gloves were taken off, a second post value was obtained for sustained effect. After one week, for second stage, subjects scrubbed with Decosept (10-12 ml).Bacterial post value (immediate effect) were obtained for one hand and the other hand was gloved for 2 h. After the gloves were taken off, a second post value was obtained for sustained effect.

 Results: comparison of BCC Frequency were different for immediate effect of Betadine and Decosept (38 & 25), and 2 h after scrub (72 & 40). The mean of BCC reduction immediate after Betadine and Decosept scrub were significant difference (PV=0.011).Also, the mean of Bcc Incensement (sustained effect) were difference (Pv = 0.011) 2 h after scrub. The mean of BCC immediate and 2 h after scrub with Betadine (first stage), showed Incensement (1.7). This Incensement after scrub with Decosept (second stage) was less than Betadine (1.15). So, the difference between first and second stages was significant (Pv = 0.001)

 Conclusion: Compare of BCC decreasement in two stages, not only in immediate but also sustained effect, showed the Alcohol agent (Decosept) was more efficient on BCC reduction. We suggest more use of Alcohol agents for hand surgical scrub instant others.