ChloraPrep® For MRSA And Other Bacterial Infections Launched In UK

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Dermatology
Article Date: 03 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT


A 'revolutionary' skin preparation system called for by NHS staff and recommended by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the fight against MRSA and other bacteria responsible for bloodstream infections, is now available in the UK.

ChloraPrep® is the only non-touch skin antiseptic system to contain 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol. This solution is widely recognised as the gold-standard for skin preparations in both the US and UK, providing rapid and persistent disinfection of the skin.

ChloraPrep® has been endorsed by the Government's Health Protection Agency Rapid Review Panel which awarded the system a 'Recommendation One' - one of only three products to receive the highest award for contributing to the fight against healthcare-associated infections*.

Until now, NHS trusts using the 3mL One-Step ChloraPrep® system have been restricted to ordering small quantities off-licence. However, with ChloraPrep® now licensed and available in the UK, NHS trusts will be able to order more often and in bigger numbers.

Sheila Inwood, a Vascular Access Nurse Specialist at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, is one of the first clinicians to use ChloraPrep® in the NHS and has first hand experience of the skin preparations effectiveness.

"Although we have been using ChloraPrep® for only two months, we have already seen a remarkable drop in the number of catheter-related infections amongst patients," said Sheila.

"Current UK practice is to use a weaker 0.5% chlorhexidine solution, alcohol alone, or a traditional iodine-based solution. However, I have been an advocate of the revolutionary 2% CHG since I first saw its benefits in the US so I am particularly pleased that the health organisations in the UK have not only endorsed the concept of a stronger skin preparation, but have actually taken the step to make it available to health professionals such as myself."

Aside from a number of NHS trusts in the UK, the ChloraPrep® system has also been used, with great success, by the National Blood Service (NBS) in England. A study, presented by Carl McDonald, Head of Bacteriology at the NBS, at the XXIXth International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion on the 6th September 2006, concluded: "ChloraPrep® was shown to be a 'best practice' donor arm disinfection procedure and will now be introduced throughout the service in 2006."

Mike Fairbourn, UK Commercial Director of Enturia said: "ChloraPrep® has a proven track record of reducing the occurrence of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections, both in the US and the UK, so it is particularly exciting for the company to see our innovation finally available to the NHS."

"The Department of Health estimate the total cost for all healthcare-associated infections in the NHS is more than £1 billion every year, so if ChloraPrep® can make even a minor reduction to that figure, the impact on patient care and wellbeing will be significant."

Enturia Ltd. plans to introduce the full line of additional applicators designed for a wide-range of medical procedures in the near future.

For further information, visit http://www.enturia.co.uk.

*HPA's Recommendation One Press Release for ChloraPrep®

-- ChloraPrep®'s highly effective antiseptic solution combined with its unique applicator represents a rapid-acting, broad spectrum and long-lasting skin antiseptic system. The unique ChloraPrep applicator delivers a precise volume of solution and is designed to be 'non-touch,' keeping the hands away from the catheter site and therefore helping to prevent cross-contamination. The foam sponge allows for a gentle friction scrub that penetrates the layers of the skin to kill more bacteria than methods currently used in the UK. The one-step, sterile, single-use applicator is designed to increase compliance with hospital infection prevention protocols and save time. Health practitioners will be able to prepare patients effectively and, as a result, help to significantly reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

-- Enturia, Ltd, based in Reigate (UK), is the wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based Enturia Incorporated, ChloraPrep's® manufacturer.

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