Comparison of Antiseptics Containing Povidone-Iodine and Hypochlorous Acid Active Substances in Preventing Central Catheter–Related Bloodstream Infection in Intensive Care Units

Purpose The present study was carried out with the aim of comparing antiseptics containing povidone-iodine and hypochlorous acid active substances in preventing central catheter–related bloodstream infection in intensive care units. Methods This study was conducted in the tertiary care intensive care units of Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital between October 2022 and January 2023. The study was performed using a randomized controlled experimental research design with a control group. Sixty patients (30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group) were included in the study. During the catheter dressings, a dressing with an antiseptic containing a hypochlorous acid active substance was applied to the patients in the intervention group. A dressing with an antiseptic containing povidone-iodine active substance, which is routinely used in the clinic, was applied to the patients in the control group. The Descriptive Characteristics Form and the Central Venous Catheter–Related Bloodstream Infection Follow-up Form were used in data collection. Number, percentage, χ 2 , and Fisher exact probability test, arithmetic mean, SD, and independent-samples t test were used to evaluate the data. Results No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of descriptive and clinical characteristics ( P > .05). It was determined that the percentage of patients in the intervention group who were diagnosed with central venous catheter–related bloodstream infection was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P < .05). The infection signs at the catheter exit site of the patients in the intervention group were found to be significantly lower than those of the patients in the control group ( P < .05). Conclusion In the study findings, central venous catheter–related bloodstream infection was observed to be less in catheter dressings applied with an antiseptic containing hypochlorous acid active substance than in catheter dressings applied with povidone-iodine. Hence, it is recommended to expand the use of an antiseptic containing hypochlorous acid active substance in catheter dressings.