CHICAGO, Ill. – As part of an effort to simplify skin cleansing and improve compliance with protocols, Aplicare is introducing its 4% CHG Skin Cleansing Kit today at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Surgical Conference and Expo. 

The new 2-in-1 CHG Skin Cleansing Kit includes the essentials for two pre-procedural CHG cleanses, tailored to meet recommendations set by AORN. The easy-to-use kit also includes tools to help patients understand why skin cleansing is important and how to use the product. 

Many hospitals have protocols in place for chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin cleansing to reduce bacteria on the skin prior to surgery. Recent evidence-based scientific and clinical studies support preoperative skin cleansing as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent Surgical Site Infections. 

Despite the prevalence of skin cleansing protocols, practices vary across hospitals and patients may not follow instructions correctly when cleansing at home. Poor compliance with skin cleansing guidelines and instructions can compromise the benefits. As a result, facilities often dedicate additional time and resources to ensure patients are cleansed and ready for surgery. 

“Clorox Healthcare understands the barriers to compliant and effective skin cleansing, and our new 2-in-1 kit is designed to address them,” said Laurie Hoachlander, Sr. Healthcare Marketing Specialist, Clorox Professional Products Company. “Patients have a lot on their mind prior to surgery and can easily get overwhelmed. The Aplicare® 4% CHG Skin Cleansing Kit gives patients everything they need in one convenient, easy-to-use package to reduce bacteria on the skin prior to surgery. Distribution is easy for nurses as well – no need to turn to multiple drawers or storage cabinets. The kit includes all the necessities for CHG skin cleansing in one place.” 

Designed for Compliance with the AORN Seal of Recognition 

AORN has awarded the AORN Seal of Recognition to the Directions for Use and Educational Brochure associated with the kit. According to Lisa Spruce, RN, DNP, ACNS, ACNP, ANP, CNOR, director of evidence-based perioperative practice for AORN, the AORN Seal of Recognition confirms that the training materials that are part of Aplicare’s 2-in-1 CHG Skin Cleansing Kit have undergone thorough review by AORN and are in alignment with the guidelines of the AORN Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices for Preoperative Patient Skin Antisepsis. While not an endorsement, the Seal of Recognition is confirmation that the instructional content of the Aplicare® 4% CHG Skin Cleansing Kit program materials meet AORN guidelines. 

Perioperative nurses have a strong need for pre-procedural education products that drive compliance with professional guidelines and correct product usage among patients. “Aplicare’s 2-in-1 CHG Skin Cleansing Kit is convenient and training materials meet the association’s standards for excellence in safe patient care,” said Dr. Spruce. “Perioperative nurses can be confident in their training in its use.”