Pre-Op Antibiotic Administration

Timely administration (within 60 minutes before initial skin incision) of antibiotic prophylaxis can significantly decrease the incidence of postoperative infections. The goal is to achieve optimal serum and tissue antibiotic concentrations at the time of the initial skin incision and for the duration of the procedure. To best achieve this, antibiotics can be given in the operating room (OR) by the anesthesiologist at induction of anaesthesia, but depending on the circumstances of the procedure may also be given in the holding area, or on the patient care unit if prolonged infusion is necessary. Administering antibiotics “on call to the OR” is not recommended as it often results in suboptimal antibiotic concentrations due to surgery schedule changes or transport delays.