Irrigation of simple lacerations with tap water or sterile saline in the emergency department did not differ for wound infections
Q In patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with simple lacerations, is wound irrigation with tap water equivalent to irrigation with sterile saline for wound infections?
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial.
Allocation:
unclear.
Blinding:
blinded (outcome assessors).
Follow-up period:
5–14 days after wound closure.
Setting:
2 urban trauma centres and 1 suburban community hospital in the US.
Patients:
713 patients >17 years of age who presented to the ED with acute uncomplicated skin lacerations requiring staples or sutures. Exclusion criteria were puncture or bite wounds; self inflicted wounds; grossly contaminated wounds; wounds >8 hours old; wounds involving tendon, joint, or bone; diabetes; significant peripheral vascular disease; HIV or immunocompromised conditions; use of antibiotics or corticosteroids; or pregnancy.
Intervention:
339 patients were allocated to tap water irrigation. Patients with upper extremity wounds were instructed to irrigate their wounds for ⩾2 minutes …
