POLICY & PROCEDURE

SECTION: INFECTION PREVENTION & CONTROL NUMBER: IC.201

TITLE: ORIGINATED: 7/10

PATIENT BATHING- Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) REVISED: 07/13, 6/16, 7/19

REVIEWED: 1/12, 2/13, 2/14

APPROVALS
Responsible Person: Manager Infection Approved by: Treatment & Surveillance Approved by: Medical Executive Committee
Control Date: 2/14, 6/16, 7/19 Date: 2/14, 6/16, 7/19

Approved by: Board of Trustees

Date: 2/14, 6/16, 7/19

I. Applies to:

RCH nursing staff and all healthcare workers assigned to provide bedside bathing to patients.

II. Policy:

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) bathing cloths will be used upon admission and daily thereafter
on all patients unless a patient has any known sensitivities to ingredients. CHG bathing cloths
replace soap for routine daily bathing.. For patients who are able to shower, ensure that the CHG
is applied after. To ensure consistent application, the nurse should bathe the patient daily with
CHG even if the patient is able to self-bathe.

III. Procedure:

A. Explain the procedure to the patient

B. Wash your hands prior to the procedure and don a pair of gloves

C. Ensure the patient has privacy. Have the patient remove their gown or assist in the removal
as needed. Use a cloth or sheet to cover patient appropriately.

D. Use one CHG bathing cloth on each area of the body, with a total of six (6) being used. Apply
CHG with firm massage to remove bacteria and ensure adequate cleansing. Only use CHG
cloths below the jawline. Allow CHG to air dry, do not wipe off.
1. One CHG bathing cloth for the face and neck
2. One CHG bathing cloth for the chest, both arms and hands including armpits and
between fingers
3. One CHG bathing cloth for the abdomen, groin and perineum.
4. One CHG bathing cloth for the right leg/foot.
5. One CHG bathing cloth for the left leg/foot.
6. One CHG bathing cloth for the back and buttocks.
7. During the skin bathing process clean 6 inches of tubing (drains, G-tubes, rectal tubes,
chest tubes, EKG leads and Foley catheters) using the same CHG cloth; for example
if a peripheral IV is in place use the same CHG cloth that was used on the arm the IV
is located in. CHG is safe to use over all occlusive dressings, including dressings for
central venous catheters.
8. CHG is safe to use on stage 1 or 2 ulcers, superficial wounds and surgical incisions.
9. For Obese patients, if one set of 6 cloths is not sufficient, use more. Make sure to
clean between all skin folds and discard any unused cloths.
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10. For incontinence clean up, remove urine/stool with usual chux/cloths, water and/or
CHG compatible incontinence care bathing solutions. Follow with CHG cloths and
allow to air dry, if patient tolerates.. Apply additional barrier protection as needed for
non-intact skin.

IV. Exceptions/Clinical Alerts:

A. Only use hospital supplied lotions which are CHG compatible

B. Shaving is incompatible with CHG use hospital supplied soap if needed.

C. Do not use antiperspirants/deodorants as they are incompatible with CHG. CHG inhibits
bacterial growth, which is the usual cause of body odors.

D. CHG bathing is excluded in patients less than 60 days of age including Newborn Nursery and
NICU.

E. CHG is safe to use on the face, but as with other cleansing agents, avoid the eyes and ear
canal.

V. Documentation:

Document the procedure in the ADL (Activities for Daily Living) section for bathing in Meditech.

VI. References:

Huang et al, N Engl J Med 2013; 368:2255-2265

Huang et al, Lancet 2019; 393:1205-1215

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