What is the rationale for letting antiseptic dry before incision?

• A. To cool the skin
• B. To prevent staining the skin
• C. To maximize antimicrobial efficacy and reduce risk of chemical irritation or pooling
• D. To speed up hair growth

Answer: (C)

Letting the antiseptic dry ensures the agent has time to work on the skin and stays in place rather than being diluted or washed away by the incision or fluids. When the solution is allowed to dry, the active compound maintains contact with the skin long enough to maximize microbial kill, and a residual film remains rather than a runny liquid that could pool under drapes or seep into the wound. Drying also reduces the risk of chemical irritation or tissue injury from concentrated antiseptic that could occur if a wet field is breached. In short, drying optimizes antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing irritation and pooling in the surgical field.