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CHG Compatibility Testing - in vitro & in vivo
June 15, 2023
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is a widely used antimicrobial active ingredient that is commonly used in healthcare applications, for example in the topical antiseptic Hibiclens, pre-operative skin preparations and other health care personnel hand sanitizer formulations. CHG is not only an effective antiseptic at the moment it is applied, but through repeated use can build up a residue on the skin that continues to provide antimicrobial efficacy on the skin. However, its antimicrobial activity depends on the positive charge in its chemical structure, which can be affected by other, negatively charged products that may be present on the skin. Therefore, it is important to assess the compatibility of topical products with the efficacy of CHG if they are likely to be used in conjunction with this type of antiseptic (for example, a lotion or soap used by healthcare personnel). CHG compatibility may be tested on the hands of volunteers in clinical studies, but is often performed using an in vitro skin substitute as a testing surface. This is done by spreading a small volume of both a representative CHG-containing product and the test product (such as a lotion or soap) across the surface, then applying a volume of test bacteria. The test bacteria are then enumerated, and the effectiveness of the CHG used with the test product is compared to the CHG used alone. Eurofins | CRL can assist clients with both nonclinical (in vitro) and clinical (in vivo) testing options to better understand your formulations compatibility with other products, such as topical handrubs that contain CHG. Contact us below for more information.