Summary
In laboratory tests of seven wound irrigation products, none of the hypochlorous acid products killed bacteria fast enough in a high-protein, wound-like condition, though they did in a low-protein condition.
Key points
- Seven commercial wound irrigation products were tested with the EN 13727 suspension method, in low and high protein conditions.
- With low protein, four of five hypochlorous acid products reached a 5-log reduction in 2 to 5 minutes, and one did so at 15 seconds.
- With high protein, none of the hypochlorous acid products reached a 5-log reduction, even after 30 minutes.
- A polyhexanide product was less affected by protein (2 minutes), and octenidine was not affected (15 seconds).
- The authors recommend testing wound products in high-protein conditions. A laboratory conference abstract, not a study in people.