Re-colonization of skin bacteria following disinfection has been shown to occur completely or partially within 7 days when the skin is disinfected with a chlorhexidine or iodine solution and covered with a polyurethane dressing, not containing antimicrobials.(21-24) Re-colonization may however already be detectable within few hours following disinfection. This has however not been associated with a significant increase in SSI rates.(3, 13) It is worth noting that some evidence suggests that skin preparation solutions containing chlorhexidine, may reside on the skin and provide residual antiseptic action on its own. (25-27)