From Phisohex to Hibiscrub

In a field trial of three disinfectant-detergent preparations for the surgical scrub Hibiscrub (a 4% chlorhexidine detergent solution) maintained a significantly greater residual antibacterial action on the skin of the gloved hands of an operating team than was obtained with Disadine (povidone-iodine detergent preparation) (P<0.001). In comparison with Phisohex (3% hexachlorophane in detergent cream), the established surgical scrub of the operating team for many years, Hibiscrub maintained marginally more significant residual disinfection (P 0.05). Of the three preparations the members of the team found Hibiscrub to be more acceptable for use than either Disadine or Phisohex.