Skin disinfection before spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a survey of UK practice

Anaesthetic deaths in the CMACE (Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries) Saving Mothers’ Lives report 2006–08

“…A recent survey of Obstetric Anaesthetists’ Association (OAA) members found that 73% wore hat, gown, gloves and mask for establishing spinal anaesthesia, and 67% do the same for epidural anaesthesia [20]. Chlorhexidine in alcohol is used by 76% of consultant anaesthetists who are OAA members for spinals at caesarean section [21]. Aseptic technique is not amenable to evidence‐based proof, although wearing a mask does have powerful indirect support [22, 23].…”

Safety guideline: skin antisepsis for central neuraxial blockade

“…The most appropriate and safe antiseptic solution to use on the skin before CNB remains controversial. A survey of consultant obstetric anaesthetists in 2009 revealed a wide range of practice across the UK in terms of both the antiseptic used and its method of application .…”