Evaluation of the Disinfective Efficacy of Povidone-Iodine with the Use of the Transparent Film Dressing OpSite Wound

Abstract

To determine the duration of efficacy of disinfection with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) conducted before application of OpSite Wound (Smith and Nephew, UK), bacteriological evaluation was carried out. In 9 healthy adults, 3 sites on the forearms or other parts were chosen for application of OpSite Wound after adequate disinfection with PVP-I. As compared to the bacterial count score of 1.67–2.00 before disinfection, a significant reduction of the score was observed on removal of OpSite Wound on days 1, 2 and 3. The score of 0.5–0.67 immediately after disinfection did not change or deteriorate until removal of OpSite Wound. This finding supports the fact that unnecessary dressing changes could be avoided postoperatively for at least 3 days by disinfection with PVP-I and application of OpSite Wound particularly for operations categorized as ‘clean surgery’.