Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: mike2niner4 on 24/04/2009 23:09:52

Title: Whats the Red Liquid thing used in Surgery??
Post by: mike2niner4 on 24/04/2009 23:09:52

Hey,

After watching numerous operations on TV im wondering what the red, blood looking liquid is they rub on say a fat person before they cut? And whats its purpose?

Thanks, Mike

Title: Whats the Red Liquid thing used in Surgery??
Post by: Variola on 24/04/2009 23:20:41

Quote from: mike2niner4 on 24/04/2009 23:09:52

Hey,

After watching numerous operations on TV im wondering what the red, blood looking liquid is they rub on say a fat person before they cut? And whats its purpose?

Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike

I think you mean the disinfectant they swab on some skin before incision? Its povidone-iodie or PVP-1.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Povidone-iodine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Povidone-iodine)

Title: Whats the Red Liquid thing used in Surgery??
Post by: mike2niner4 on 24/04/2009 23:34:10

Thanks Variola!!

Title: Whats the Red Liquid thing used in Surgery??
Post by: chris on 27/04/2009 22:02:19

There are two possibilities. If the stuff you have seen is bright red then it is probably chlorhexidine; if it's browny-red then it's probably iodine.

Chris