A safer, less costly SSI prevention protocol-Universal versus targeted preoperative decolonization.

Surgical site infection after total joint replacement results in significant patient suffering and health care costs. To reduce the risk of surgical site infection after total joint procedures, 1 hospital instituted preoperative universal nasal and skin decolonization, using an alcohol based nasal antiseptic and chlorhexidine bathing. This resulted in reduced infection rates, and associated patient morbidity and costs to the facility.