Back to Basics: Surgical Skin Antisepsis

The fundamental basis for preventing surgical site infections is the antiseptic preparation of the skin at the surgical site. All perioperative nurses must learn this skill. The goal of surgical skin antisepsis, frequently referred to as prepping the skin, is to remove soil and transient (ie, temporary) microorganisms living on the skin that could pose a risk for surgical site infections. This Back to Basics article examines the origin of surgical skin antisepsis and the steps perioperative nurses should take to provide the patient with an aseptic surgical site before any surgical or other invasive procedure.