Guidance
Update information
August 2020: We have added a link in recommendations 1.3.14 and 1.3.15 to the NICE guideline on perioperative care in adults to highlight additional guidance on intravenous fluids, cardiac monitoring and blood glucose control for adults.
April 2019: We have reviewed the evidence and made new recommendations on nasal decolonisation, preoperative antiseptic skin preparation, antiseptics and antimicrobials before wound closure, and methods of wound closure to prevent surgical site infections in people having surgery. These recommendations are marked [2019].
Recommendations marked [2008] last had an evidence review in 2008. In some cases, minor changes have been made to the wording to bring the language and style up to date, without changing the meaning.
Minor changes since publication
April 2024: We simplified table 1 by removing details of specific brands. The recommended choice of preparations and order of use has not changed.
March 2024: We updated the licensed indication for Prevase Stain in table 1.
January 2024: We updated the licensed indication for Prevase and removed Hydrex in table 1.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-3394-5