Invicta Animal Health has announced its appointment as exclusive veterinary distributor in the UK for Chloraprep, a licensed human product for cutaneous antisepsis, prior to invasive procedures. Invicta Animal Health has announced its appointment as exclusive veterinary distributor in the UK for Chloraprep, a licensed human product for cutaneous antisepsis, prior to invasive procedures. 

Invicta says Chloraprep is a single use, easy to apply, sterile system, available in a variety of sizes and in clear and tinted versions to enhance the visibility of the area requiring antisepsis, for instance, prior to surgery.

The sterile solution is maintained in a glass ampoule inside a protective outer case and, to prevent contamination, the patented design ensures users don't come into contact with either the contents or the patient's skin. 

Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "Most surgical site infections (SSI's) are the result of contamination from a patient's own skin flora1, a fact which highlights the importance of thorough and effective preparation of the skin as a proactive way to minimise the incidence of SSI's in patients." 

According to the company, research has shown that Chloraprep, which contains 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol, has demonstrated significantly better antimicrobial activity than other combinations2.

Invicta says the way in which the solution is applied to the skin is as important as the solution itself.  Studies show that the most effective way to apply Chloraprep is with a back and forth scrubbing movement because this gives a lower microbial count on the skin than using other application methods3. Once applied, Chloraprep is active in 30 seconds and is effective for up to 48 hours4.

Rob said: "The majority of UK hospitals and the Blood Transfusion Service already use Chloraprep and we are pleased to make this available under the provisions of the cascade."

He added: 'The veterinary nurses I've spoken to love this product, because they're fed up of immersing their dry, cracked hands in disinfectant!'

For further information, please contact Invicta Animal Health on 01403 791313 or email the company at mail@invictavet.com.

References

1. Florman S, Nichols RL. Am J Infect Dis 2007; 3: 51-61.
2. Hibbard JS. J Infus Nurs 2005; 28: 194-207.
3. Rosenthal K. Nurs Manage 2006; April: 55-66.
4. Garcia R et al. Abstracts of the IDSA 40th Annual Meeting 2002; Abs 418.

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