Standard Operating Procedure: Effective Date: 28 August 2014

Dakins Solution for Wound Cleaning (v2.0)

Preface:
Dakins solution, also called Dakins fluid, or CarrelDakin fluid, antiseptic
solution containing sodium hypochlorite and developed to treat infected wounds.
First used during World War I, Dakins solution was the product of a long search by
an English chemist, Henry Drysdale Dakin, and a French surgeon, Alexis Carrel, for
an ideal wound antiseptic.
Stronger germicidal solutions, such as those containing carbolic acid (phenol) or
iodine, either damage living cells or lose their potency in the presence of blood
serum. Dakins solution has neither disadvantage; its solvent action on dead cells
hastens the separation of dead from living tissue. Dakins solution is prepared by
passing chlorine into a solution of sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. The
solution is unstable and cannot be stored for more than one to two days. The
CarrelDakin treatment consists of the periodic flooding of an entire wound surface
with the solution.
A. When to Perform:
1. To reduce the chances of wound infections occurring.
2. To clean skin and tissue infections caused by sores, scrapes and pressure
sores.
B. Preparation materials
1. Baking soda (Sodium hydroxide)
2. Clean water
3. Clean pan with lid
4. Sterile measuring cup and spoons
5. Sterile jar with lid
6. Latex/Plastic/Nitrile Gloves
7. Labels
C. How To Perform
1. Wash hands well with soap and water in accordance with VG SOP on proper
hand washing methods.
2. Gather the supplies, put on a pair of latex/plastic/nitrile gloves.
3. Measure 4 cups of tap water, pour into a clean pan.

4. Boil the water until it reach boiling point (100C), remove from the heat. The
water does NOT have to be boiled for a specific length of time. Reaching the
boiling point is sufficient.
5. Add teaspoonful of baking soda (not a heaping teaspoonful-it should be a
level amount) using sterile measuring spoon.
6. Measure the proper volume of bleach (non-scented) according to the
strength needed (see chart below)
Full

1/2

1/4

1/8

strength

strength

strength

strength

Bleach

95 ml

48 ml

24 ml

12-14 ml

Water

946 ml

946 ml

946 ml

946 ml

7. Place the solution in a sterile jar, cover the OUTSIDE of the jar with
aluminium foil to protect it from light. Seal the opening of the jar tightly with
the lid or cap. Label the jar as Dakins solution along with the correct
strength and date it was compounded.
8. Throw away any unused portion 24-48 hours after opening by carefully
pouring down the toilet. Carefully avoid spilling any of the solution onto
clothing or the eyes. If any solution is accidently splashed into the eyes,
nose, or mouth then immediately flush these body parts with fresh clean
water for several minutes to reduce the risk of chemical burns. If necessary
seek medical attention immediately following thorough irrigation of the eyes
using a steady stream of water.