But neither the INS's Standards of Practice nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Guidelines for Prevention of Intravascular Device-Related Infections requires cleaning with two antiseptic solutions. 5,6 Alcohol has a drying effect on skin that can compound problems for many patients. Others may be allergic to iodine, preventing the use of either tincture of iodine or povidone-iodine. Don't remove povidone-iodine solutions with alcohol. This may increase the potential for skin irritation in some patients.
Chlorhexidine is now available in pads and swab sticks.
Your technique for applying the solution is equally, if not more, important than the solution itself. Apply the solution with friction in a circular motion, working from the proposed venipuncture site outward. Prep an area 2 to 4 inches in diameter. While you're learning to insert catheters, choose patients with healthy veins and good skin turgor. Minimize the number of venipuncture attempts to avoid damaging the nerves located close to superficial veins.