What is CHG commonly known for?

• A. A surgical glue.
• B. A type of anesthesia.
• C. A skin prep agent.
• D. A surgical suture material.

Answer: (C)

CHG, or chlor hexidine gluconate, is primarily recognized as a skin prep agent. It is widely used for its antiseptic properties in various medical and surgical settings to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in the perioperative environment. When applied to the skin before surgical procedures, CHG effectively eliminates bacteria and provides a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, which contributes to maintaining a sterile field.

The significance of CHG as a skin prep agent is underscored by its effectiveness in decreasing surgical site infections. The application of CHG on the skin creates a barrier against pathogens, and its residual action continues to work for an extended period post-application. This characteristic makes it essential in preoperative care protocols.

While surgical glue, anesthesia, and suture material are all important components of surgical procedures, they serve different functions and are not specifically designed for skin preparation like CHG. Surgical glue is used for wound closure, anesthesia is employed to manage pain during procedures, and sutures are for stitching tissues together. Hence, the distinction of CHG as a skin prep agent is what sets it apart in this context.