Decolonize Patients
Below are sample protocols for skin decolonization with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and nasal decolonization with mupirocin or iodophor. Multiple methods for CHG decolonization and nasal decolonization are addressed.
Choose the protocols that best fit your unit’s needs. These protocols are provided as editable Word documents to allow customization.
Unit Protocols for Decolonization
Unit protocols will vary depending on whether your unit implements Universal Decolonization or Targeted Decolonization. Protocols for both strategies are offered below:
- Unit Protocol: Universal MRSA Decolonization (DOCX, 396 KB)
- Unit Protocol: Targeted MRSA Decolonization (DOCX, 398 KB)
Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) Skin Decolonization Protocols
- Nursing Decolonization Protocol: Bed Bathing With 2% CHG Pre-Impregnated Cloths (DOCX, 684 KB)
Details procedures for performing skin decolonization at bedside, using pre-impregnated 2% CHG cloths. - Nursing Decolonization Protocol: Basin Bed Bathing With 4% CHG Liquid (Diluted to 2%) (DOCX, 863 KB))
Details procedures for performing skin decolonization at bedside with CHG liquid solution diluted to 2% in a basin. - Nursing Decolonization Protocol: Showering With 4% CHG Liquid (DOCX, 615 KB)
Details procedures for patients to perform their own CHG decolonization in the shower.
Nasal Decolonization Protocols
- Nursing Decolonization Protocol: Nasal Mupirocin (DOCX, 402 KB)
Details procedures for performing nasal decolonization using nasal mupirocin. - Nursing Decolonization Protocol: Nasal Iodophor (10% Povidone-Iodine) (DOCX, 402 KB)
Details procedures for performing nasal decolonization using nasal iodophor.
Note
Materials are adapted from “Universal ICU Decolonization: An Enhanced Protocol” and the "Toolkit for Decolonization of Non-ICU Patients With Devices".
