Why is it important to allow preoperative skin prep with alcohol and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to dry prior to draping?

The significance of allowing preoperative skin prep with alcohol and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to dry before draping primarily lies in the risk factors associated with the use of these antiseptics. When alcohol is applied to the skin, its flammable nature poses a real concern. If the skin prep is not allowed to fully dry, and drapes are applied over a surface that still has wet alcohol, there is a potential hazard. Trapped fumes from the alcohol under the drapes could ignite, especially in an environment where electrosurgical devices are being used during procedures. Ensuring that the skin prep is completely dry mitigates this risk, promoting both patient and staff safety during surgery.

While there may be other benefits to allowing the prep to dry, such as potentially enhancing effectiveness or better adherence, the primary concern remains the flammability of alcohol in the surgical environment. Thus, ensuring that the skin preparation has fully dried before proceeding is a critical safety measure.