Products
In many countries, commercially available products include Soft-Zellin and Webcol alcohol swabs. The swabs are usually individually packaged or taken from a dispenser.
Composition
Alcohol swabs are made of absorbent, lint-free nonwoven fabric and are impregnated with isopropanol 70%. Isopropanol (C3H8O, Mr = 60.1 g/mol) is a clear, colorless liquid that is miscible with water and ethanol 96%. Ethanol or mixtures are rarely used instead of isopropanol.
Effects
Isopropanol 70% (ATC D08AX05) has cleaning and disinfecting properties.
Areas of application
For local disinfection and skin cleansing before an injection, puncture, or blood collection. Alcohol swabs are used in the context of an administration of heparins, a blood glucose or cholesterol measurement, among others.
Application
A wipe is usually sufficient for disinfection. Wait approximately 30 seconds before taking a blood sample so that the disinfectant does not falsify the measurement results. The skin should no longer be shiny. The same swab should not be used more than once. In case of heavy contamination, clean the area with soap and water beforehand.
Precautions
Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of the hands of children.
Adverse effects
In the past, individual batches of alcohol swabs have had to be recalled due to possible microbial contamination.
