Isopropyl Alcohol

Alcohol Swabs are sterile, single-use, individually packaged pads saturated with 70% isopropyl alcohol, the standard concentration for optimal bactericidal and virucidal activity. They are the fundamental device for skin antisepsis prior to injections, venipuncture, intravenous cannulation, and minor surgical procedures, and for disinfection of vial tops and intravenous injection ports. Clinical efficacy requires a minimum 30-second application with mechanical friction followed by complete air drying (30 seconds) before skin puncture. Alcohol is rapidly bactericidal against vegetative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, tuberculocidal, fungicidal, and virucidal against enveloped viruses, but ineffective against bacterial spores and non-enveloped viruses. Critical safety precautions include avoidance of mucous membranes, strict single-use protocol, awareness of flammability (keep away from ignition sources), and absolute requirement for complete drying to prevent injection site pain and medication inactivation. Latex-free and available in various sizes.