Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Miller
I believe iodine is still used in surgery today, and a few years ago when my right thumb had an unfortunate encounter with a 12" circular saw blade they gave me an iodine spray to help it along, so its pretty safe.
However this ampule may contain something else, I wondered about acid from a time detonating device or the horn of a sea mine?
Rob
|
The "iodine" used today is completely different to the solution used in the distant past.
The WW1 era iodine reacted with the gauze field dressings and caused skin irritation and blistering.
Today you will find a "tincture of iodine" (a weak solution) in first aid kits ect and hospitals use "Povidone Iodine" , either as a solution or in a spray , for skin disinfection before and after surgery.
There is also a hand washing solution which is used by Surgeons/Scrub staff immediately before they put on gown and gloves for surgery. ( I used it for over 30 years !)
.