Background: The hands of surgeons and scrub nurses carry microorganisms identified as sources of microbial
contamination. Surgical hand antisepsis is a cornerstone of the overall aseptic technique in surgery to eliminate transient
microorganisms and reduce resident skin flora, preoperative hand disinfection is an important part of the strategy for
surgical team to prevent surgical site infection. Aim: Compare the antiseptic effects of Betadine and Sterillium on
microbial load of surgical hands. Method: One group, two periods, posttest experimental study designed was carried on
a convenient sample of 54 surgeons and 44 scrub nurses. Results: The mean of microbial load were. 76.46 (178.97), and
31.58 (74.57) after hands washing with soap and water before hands scrubbing or rubbing by using Betadine, and
Sterillium respectively, with statistically significant differences, P=.024. The mean of microbial load were. 4.06 (13.57),
and 0.15 (1.08) after hands scrubbing or rubbing by using Betadine, and Sterillium respectively, with statistically
significant differences, P=.005. Finally, the mean of microbial load were. 21.75 (104.65), and zero after doffing gloves
by scrubbing with Betadine, and rubbing with Sterillium respectively, with statistically significant differences, P=.042.
Conclusion: superiority of hands rubbing with Sterilium over hands scrubbing with Betadine in the terms of; total
positive growth, or no growth of isolated bacteria. Recommendation: Assure continuous supply operating theater with
Sterillium.