Multicenter Trial of Daily Chlorhexidine Bathing to Reduce Nosocomial Infections

This is a cluster randomized, crossover-controlled trial with wards as the units of
randomization. The trial will predominantly take place in ICU's but may include any acute
care ward that has active surveillance for MRSA and or VRE in place (i.e., Bone Marrow
transplant units, Oncology wards, etc.) Units will be randomly assigned to utilize two
bathing routines in a random order. Each bathing routine will be utilized on all admitted
patients to the unit for a six month study period for a total study duration of 12 months.
The two bathing routines will include either the use of the Comfort® Bath Washcloth System
(control) or the use of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth. Randomized units will either start
with 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloth for six months and then switch to Comfort™ Bath
Washcloth for the remaining six month period or the reverse order. Data collection will
include all surveillance and clinical cultures for MRSA and or VRE and all bloodstream
infections.

Inclusion Criteria:

- All patients admitted to study units during the proposed study interval are eligible
for inclusion in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients with known allergies to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredients in
the product

- Patients with burns that include a high percentage of disrupted body surface area

- Use in patients undergoing lumbar punctures or contact with the meninges

- Patients with large open skin wounds; and

- Children less than 18 years old