Urine Iodine Levels of Surgical Staff

Objective: The routine use of topical iodinated antiseptic could be a possible cause of iodine contamination. The aim of this study is to evaluate iodine concentrations in operation-room staff who routinely use iodine-containing antiseptics for cleansing of the hands after salt iodization. Methods: The study included 40 surgeons and surgical nurses who use surgical hand-scrub solutions. Participants applied an iodized brush for a minimum of three times a day on weekdays and were iodine-free on the weekends. Morning spot urine specimens were collected from all participants to analyze the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) twice a week.