PA-PSRS Pointers: Avoiding Betadine Burns

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PA-PSRS Pointers: Avoiding Betadine Burns

PA PSRS Patient Saf Advis 2005 Jun;2(2):8.

PA-PSRS has received a dozen reports of patients sustaining Betadine® burns in the OR. Skin irritation and severe skin reactions may occur when wet, unevaporated solution comes in prolonged contact with the skin. This may occur following preoperative preparation of a patient. The Betadine solution “pools” beneath the patient, in intertriginous creases, or around the drapes during the surgical procedure. A chemical contact dermatitis may result from a combination of the chemical, heat, and pressure. To reduce this risk, the following pointers are suggested:

During the surgical preparation process, tucking disposable, absorbent pads beneath the patient to absorb excess Betadine solution.
Not supersaturating the applicators, so that excess solution does not run off the area bring prepped.
Removing the absorbent pads prior to draping the patient.
Following manufacturer’s instructions for proper topical application of Betadine solution to the skin/mucous membranes.

Sources

Purdue Frederick. Answers to most frequently asked questions about Betadine Microbicides [online]. [cited 2005 Jun 27]. Available from Internet: http://woundcare.org.
Physicians Desk Reference. PDR drug information for Betadine solution [online]. 2004 [cited 2005 Jun 27]. Available from Internet: http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Betadine_Solution.html.

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PA-PSRS Pointers: Avoiding Betadine Burns
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	THE PENNSYLVANIA PATIENT SAFETY AUTHORITY AND ITS CONTRACTORS
	The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority is an independent state agency created by Act 13 of 2002, the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (“Mcare”) Act. Consistent with Act 13, ECRI Institute, as contractor for the Authority, is issuing this publication to advise medical facilities of immediate changes that can be instituted to reduce Serious Events and Incidents. For more information about the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, see the Authority’s Web site at www.patientsafetyauthority.org .
	ECRI Institute, a nonprofit organization, dedicates itself to bringing the discipline of applied scientific research in healthcare to uncover the best approaches to improving patient care. As pioneers in this science for more than 40 years, ECRI Institute marries experience and independence with the objectivity of evidence-based research. More than 5,000 healthcare organizations worldwide rely on ECRI Institute’s expertise in patient safety improvement, risk and quality management, and healthcare processes, devices, procedures and drug technology.
	The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated solely to medication error prevention and safe medication use. ISMP provides recommendations for the safe use of medications to the healthcare community including healthcare professionals, government agencies, accrediting organizations, and consumers. ISMP’s efforts are built on a nonpunitive approach and systems-based solutions.