Comparison of the Rapid Bactericidal Efficacy of Commercially Available Surgical Solutions

Authors: Larry Estlack, Rebecca McMahon, PhD, Nina Bionda, PhD

Reported here is a comparative assessment of the in vitro rapid bactericidal efficacy of a panel of nine commercially available irrigation solutions using short (60 seconds) contact time. The study was performed using two representative species of bacteria – Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The irrigation solutions evaluated in the study involved an array of antimicrobial technologies and preservatives, including acids, surfactants, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), benzalkonium chloride (BZK), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) alone and in synergy with other additives, and povidone iodine (PI).