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Why Tint Matters in Surgical Skin Prep: Enhancing Post-Op Safety with Hi-Lite Orange™

Supporting Safer Surgical Outcomes Through Better Visibility

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Surgery Blog Post

In the OR, precision and visibility are critical—not just during the procedure, but throughout the entire perioperative process. One detail that may significantly impact postoperative assessments is the color of the skin prep tint.

For perioperative nurses, surgical techs, and clinicians, the ability to clearly identify the prepped area is essential. But the tint used in skin antiseptics can also influence how skin is evaluated after surgery. That’s where BD® ChloraPrep™ with Hi-Lite Orange™ tint offers a distinct advantage.

Why Skin Prep Tint Impacts Postoperative Assessment

In a survey of 50 surgeons and clinicians, most preferred BD ChloraPrep™ with Hi-Lite Orange™ over other tinted antiseptics. Why? Because it helps reduce the risk of clinical misdiagnosis based on skin coloring during post-op care.

Certain tint colors can mimic signs of common post-op complications:

  • Yellow → may resemble jaundice1
  • Red → can be mistaken for erythema or infection2
  • Green or Blue → may be confused with bruising or cyanosis3,4

 

These overlaps can lead to unnecessary concern, additional testing, or delayed treatment. Hi-Lite Orange™ provides a neutral, highly visible tint that avoids blending into clinical symptoms and helps staff make more accurate assessments.

 

Aligned with AORN Guidelines

The AORN Guideline for Preoperative Patient Skin Antisepsis recommends selecting a tinted antiseptic that is most visible on the individual patient’s skin.5 Hi-Lite Orange™ meets this recommendation by offering high contrast across a wide range of skin tones, supporting both effective antisepsis and clinical clarity.

 

Designed for the Surgical Team

BD® ChloraPrep™ with Hi-Lite Orange™ is more than a skin antiseptic—it’s a tool that helps mark the prep area and reduces the risk of clinical misdiagnosis based on skin coloring during post op care. With BD®, your hospital is covered: BD® ChloraPrep™ patient preoperative skin preparation is the only CHG/IPA antiseptic that can offer the same proven, trusted, and standardized solution throughout your healthcare facility every time.*

 

Get in touch with a BD representative

References

*where indicated per IFU

  1. Mount Sinai. Jaundice. Mount Sinai Health System. Accessed July 3, 2025. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/jaundice. 
  2. Nall R. What to know about skin redness. Healthline. Updated August 28, 2024. Accessed July 3, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-redness. 
  3. Fletcher J. What do the colors of a bruise mean? Medical News Today. Updated January 18, 2024. Accessed July 3, 2025. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322742. 
  4. Adeyinka A, Kondamudi NP. Cyanosis [archived]. StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; August 12, 2023. 
  5. AORN. Guideline for preoperative patient skin antisepsis. In: Guidelines for Perioperative Practice. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2021.

Indication: For the preparation of the patient’s skin prior to surgery. Helps to reduce bacteria that potentially can cause skin infection. Warnings: For external use only. Flammable, keep away from fire or flame. To reduce the risk of fire, PREP CAREFULLY: Solution contains alcohol and gives off flammable vapors. Do not use 26-mL applicator for head and neck surgery. Avoid getting solution into hairy areas. Hair may take up to 1 hour to dry. Wet hair is flammable. Do not drape or use ignition source (e.g. cautery, laser) until solution is completely dry (minimum of 3 minutes on hairless skin; up to 1 hour in hair). Do not allow solution to pool. Remove wet materials from prep area. Allergy alert: This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include wheezing/difficulty breathing, shock, facial swelling, hives, rash. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. Do not use on patients allergic to chlorhexidine gluconate or any other ingredient in this product. Do not use for lumbar puncture or in contact with the meninges. Do not use on open skin wounds or as a general skin cleanser. When using this product keep out of eyes, ears, and mouth. May cause serious or permanent injury if permitted to enter and remain. If contact occurs, rinse with cold water right away and contact a doctor. Stop use and ask a doctor if irritation, sensitization, or allergic reaction occurs. These may be signs of a serious condition. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

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