Skin prep & antiseptics
Skin antiseptics reduce the bacteria on the skin before injections, cannulation, catheter insertion, procedures and dressing changes. MEC supplies chlorhexidine skin prep wipes and irrigation, 70% alcohol prep swabs and Betadine povidone-iodine antiseptic, for clinics, wards, aged care and home care.
Shop chlorhexidine, alcohol prep swabs or povidone-iodine.
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How to choose a skin antiseptic
| Antiseptic | Typical uses | At MEC |
|---|---|---|
| 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol | Skin antisepsis before invasive procedures such as IV cannulation and line care. Combines fast-acting alcohol with chlorhexidine. | 3M Solu-IV swab wipes |
| Aqueous chlorhexidine 0.1% | Cleansing and irrigating skin and wounds, and preparing the area before urinary catheterisation. Alcohol-free. | Pfizer chlorhexidine irrigation 0.1% |
| Chlorhexidine wash cloths | Pre-admission and pre-procedure body washing without soap and water. | Reynard 2% chlorhexidine wash cloths |
| 70% alcohol prep swabs | Cleaning skin before injections and wiping injection ports and equipment. | Webcol alcohol prep, Bare+ Medical alcohol swabs |
| Povidone-iodine | General skin antisepsis and wound cleansing, and an alternative where chlorhexidine isn't suitable. | Betadine antiseptic solution (100 and 500 mL) |
Apply antiseptic as the product instructions and your facility's procedure direct, and let it dry completely before the procedure — alcohol-based preps need to dry fully to work, and drying also reduces skin irritation under dressings.
Important — allergies: do not use chlorhexidine on anyone with a known chlorhexidine allergy, and do not use povidone-iodine where there is an iodine allergy. Allergic reactions to chlorhexidine are uncommon but can be severe, so check the patient's allergy history first.
Skin prep FAQs
What is chlorhexidine used for?
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic used to prepare skin before injections, cannulas and procedures, to cleanse wounds and skin, and for pre-operative body washing. It is available in alcohol-based wipes, alcohol-free solutions and wash cloths.
Chlorhexidine or alcohol swabs — which should I use?
70% alcohol swabs are the usual choice for routine injections. Chlorhexidine in alcohol is used where longer-lasting skin antisepsis is needed, such as IV cannulation and line care — follow your facility's procedure.
Are chlorhexidine wipes the same as disinfectant wipes?
No. Chlorhexidine skin prep wipes are made for use on skin. Disinfectant wipes are for cleaning equipment and surfaces — see cleaning and disinfectant wipes.
Ordering skin prep in bulk for a ward, clinic or aged-care facility? Contact our team for volume pricing.