Wound Irrigation: Tap Water Is as Good as Sterile Saline

For prevention of wound infections, irrigation is more effective than cleaning with antibacterial solutions, and the use of sterile saline for irrigation is the current standard of care. In a multicenter prospective trial, researchers compared wound infection rates in 715 adult patients with simple lacerations who were randomized to either clinician-administered sterile saline irrigation or at least 2 minutes of self-administered tap-water irrigation after adequate wound anesthesia. Wounds were closed with sutures or staples at the discretion of the treating physician. Patients did not receive antibiotics.

Among the 88% of patients who were available for follow-up by return emergency department visit or by telephone, rates of wound infection…