Evaluation of Single-use Blood Donor Arm Antiseptic Kits

Lim, A Hyun; Kwon, So Yong; Hwang, Mi Won; Choi, Hyun Kyung; Cho, Han Ik

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-associated bacterial contamination (TABC) have become one of the major hazards of transfusion and the donors' normal skin flora is considered to be the most important source of contamination. We therefore evaluated the effectiveness of single-use blood donor arm antiseptic kits available on the Korean market.
METHODS
Forty-eight antiseptic kits of two manufacturers consisting of 70% isopropyl alcohol swab stick and 10% povidone iodine swab stick were evaluated for their performance in reducing the bacterial load of the skin before and after disinfection. Staff response about ease of use was also evaluated.
RESULTS
Whereas before disinfection the mean bacterial count was 5 CFU/plate or less, after disinfection bacterial growth was hardly observed. Overall both antiseptic kits showed a percent reduction of more than 98% compared to predisinfection. The amount of antiseptic solution of one manufacturers' kit was excessive and leakage of the antiseptic solution was also observed.
CONCLUSION
The effectiveness of both antiseptic kits evaluated in this study was satisfactory to be used for blood donors, but an improvement to the packaging of one manufacturers' kit is required before it can be used in the field.