Alcohol Prep Pads
100 Individual Alcohol Prep Pads.
- Two-ply folded sterile pad.
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol for optimum anti-bacterial action.
- Use for preparation of the skin before injection.
- Four-layer wrapper provides air-tight seal, prevents leakage and drying out.
Diathrive’s alcohol prep pads come in a box of one hundred. They are easily transportable, and you can store as many as you want in your diabetes carrying case. The four-layer wrapper provides an air-tight seal and is sturdy enough to be transported in your pocket, purse, backpack, or carrying case without breakage or leaking. Alcohol prep pads have a long shelf life, but always check the expiration date on your box.
What are alcohol prep pads?
Alcohol prep pads provide an easy way to clean using isopropyl alcohol. The pads have the same active ingredient as the liquid isopropyl alcohol that can be purchased from your local grocery store or pharmacy. They are more useful in many cases than the liquid form because they are highly portable. People living with diabetes need supplies as they go about their normal day at work or at play, and alcohol prep pads provide a convenient way to carry this important item.
What are alcohol prep pads used for?
There are many uses for these small pads because they can be used to clean almost anything. The active ingredient, isopropyl alcohol, is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. For people living with diabetes, alcohol prep pads are most often used to clean the skin before an insulin injection or to clean the rubber end of an insulin pen needle or vial of insulin. The isopropyl alcohol contained in the prep pad cleans your skin, removing bacteria and germs that could enter your body from an injection. Alcohol prep pads can also be used to clean up blood from the open wound after using a lancet to draw blood for your blood glucose meter. They are easy to use — simply tear open the wrapper, remove the pad, use it to clean your skin, then throw the pad and wrapper away. Alcohol prep pads are designed to be used only once, so make sure you throw the used pad away after use.
About Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol comes in many strengths, with 70% and 99% the most common strengths available. You might think that high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol are better at disinfection, but a lower concentration (70%) is actually better at disinfecting compared to higher concentrations. This is because there is more water in the 70% solution, which helps the solution penetrate the cells of viruses and bacteria so it can do its job to kill these pathogens. The water component of the solution slows down evaporation and increases the time the alcohol is in contact with the surface being cleaned. Solutions with higher concentrations of isopropyl alcohol evaporate more quickly, reducing its efficacy as a cleaning agent.
Isopropyl Alcohol Safety
Because isopropyl alcohol is flammable, it is important to keep your alcohol prep pads away from fire and flames. Repeated use in the same location can also cause a rash, itching, dryness or redness of the affected area. Inhaling the fumes can also irate the nose and throat and can irritate mucous membranes and your eyes. Of course, the product is for external use only and should never be taken internally.