# Are high residual chlorhexidine skin concentrations associated with improved clinical outcomes? Lessons from the CLEAR trial

## TL;DR

A study found that higher levels of chlorhexidine on the skin after hospitalization did not lead to better infection prevention outcomes.

## Contribution

The CLEAR trial reveals that high residual chlorhexidine concentrations may not be necessary for improved clinical outcomes.

## Key findings

- Higher residual chlorhexidine concentrations did not improve infection prevention outcomes.
- Posthospitalization decolonization reduced MRSA and all-cause infections.
- CHG concentration may reflect bathing quality but not necessarily clinical benefit.

## Abstract

Residual chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations are thought to improve disease prevention. In the Changing Lives by Eradicating Antibiotic Resistance (CLEAR) trial, posthospitalization decolonization of MRSA carriers reduced MRSA infection and all-cause infection, but higher residual CHG concentrations did not improve outcomes. CHG concentration may indicate bathing quality, but high residual concentrations may not be necessary for benefit.