Which antiseptic solution is commonly used for preoperative skin disinfection in the material?

Which antiseptic solution is commonly used for preoperative skin disinfection in the material?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Povidone iodine solution
• C. Hydrogen peroxide
• D. Chlorhexidine

Answer: (B)

Disinfecting the skin before surgery aims to rapidly lower the microbial load and provide ongoing protection during the procedure. Povidone-iodine solution is commonly used because it offers broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and releases iodine slowly to give residual antisepsis after application. It also tends to work well even when the skin is not perfectly clean, which is practical in a surgical prep setting, and it is generally well tolerated on skin. In contrast, ethanol acts quickly but has no lasting effect once it evaporates, hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to tissue, and chlorhexidine, while effective, can be inactivated by organic matter in some situations. For these reasons, povidone-iodine is a frequent choice for preoperative skin disinfection in this context.

Disinfecting the skin before surgery aims to rapidly lower the microbial load and provide ongoing protection during the procedure. Povidone-iodine solution is commonly used because it offers broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and releases iodine slowly to give residual antisepsis after application. It also tends to work well even when the skin is not perfectly clean, which is practical in a surgical prep setting, and it is generally well tolerated on skin. In contrast, ethanol acts quickly but has no lasting effect once it evaporates, hydrogen peroxide can be irritating to tissue, and chlorhexidine, while effective, can be inactivated by organic matter in some situations. For these reasons, povidone-iodine is a frequent choice for preoperative skin disinfection in this context.