Cardinal Health Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads | 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

Cardinal Health™ Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads are individually wrapped, single-use antiseptic pads intended for preparation of skin prior to injection. Each sterile packet contains a soft, absorbent 2-ply nonwoven pad saturated with 70% v/v isopropyl alcohol.

Choose the compact MW-APM Medium pad for routine injection-site preparation or the larger MW-APL Large pad when additional surface coverage is helpful. Both sizes are available in boxes of 200 individually packaged pads or full cases containing 20 boxes and 4,000 pads.

The current FDA drug labels identify 70% isopropyl alcohol as the active ingredient, purified water as the inactive ingredient, and preparation of skin prior to injection as the labeled use.

• Sterile alcohol prep pads
• Individually sealed packets
• Saturated with 70% v/v isopropyl alcohol
• Labeled as a topical antiseptic
• Intended for preparation of skin prior to injection
• Soft nonwoven pad material
• Absorbent 2-ply construction
• Medium and large-size options
• 200 pads per box
• 20 boxes and 4,000 pads per case
• Cardinal Health product numbers MW-APM and MW-APL
• Compatible with CHG according to Cardinal Health
• Meets USP testing requirements for purified water
• Not made with natural rubber latex
• Single-use and disposable
• Convenient for clinics, physician offices and medical supply kits

The pads are sterile, individually packaged, CHG compatible, and manufactured according to current FDA regulations. Its medicated-wipes brochure states that the product group is not made with natural rubber latex.

Approximate imperial measurements:

The medium measurements are documented as 3.25 × 3 cm folded and 6.5 × 3 cm unfolded. The large pad is approximately 4.5 × 4.5 cm folded and 9 × 4.5 cm unfolded.

Both sizes carry the same labeled antiseptic purpose. The decision primarily concerns pad dimensions and the amount of material available for the preparation site.

• A compact prep pad is sufficient.
• Storage space in a kit or cart is limited.
• Routine localized injection-site preparation is the principal use.
• The smaller unfolded dimensions are easier to handle for the procedure.

• More surface coverage is useful.
• The user prefers a wider pad for handling and wiping.
• The preparation site is larger.
• A larger amount of absorbent nonwoven material is desired.

The individual packet helps protect sterility until opened. Once a packet is opened, the pad should be used once and discarded.

The labeled formulation contains 70 mL of isopropyl alcohol in each 100 mL of solution, expressed as 70% v/v. Purified water is the listed inactive ingredient.

The product’s labeled purpose is antiseptic preparation of the skin before an injection. The page should avoid broader claims such as the following:

• Sterilizes the skin
• Eliminates all germs
• Prevents every infection
• Cleans open wounds
• Treats cuts or punctures
• Disinfects medical equipment
• Sanitizes hands
• Replaces environmental disinfectants

The product labeling reviewed does not establish those uses.

These alcohol prep pads are compatible with CHG, or chlorhexidine gluconate.

That statement does not refer to the pads.

• Contain chlorhexidine
• Are a chlorhexidine preparation
• Provide the same labeled use as a CHG applicator
• Can replace a procedure-specific CHG antiseptic
• Should be combined with another antiseptic without following the applicable protocol

The active ingredient in MW-APM and MW-APL is 70% isopropyl alcohol. No chlorhexidine is listed in the current DailyMed formulation.

The current product label provides the concise direction:

Wipe injection site vigorously and discard.

A practical product page presentation is

1. Confirm that the individual packet is sealed and within its labeled expiration date.
2. Open the packet immediately before use.
3. Remove the sterile alcohol pad without contaminating it.
4. Prepare the injection site according to the product label and clinical protocol.
5. Discard the pad after one use.
6. Do not return an opened pad to its packet or use it on another person.

Clinical procedure, injection-device instructions, and institutional policy should determine any required site-drying time or additional preparation steps.

For external use only. Flammable—keep away from fire or flame. Do not use this product with electrocautery procedures, in the eyes, on mucous membranes, or on irritated skin. Stop use and consult a doctor if irritation or redness develops. Keep out of reach of children. Use each pad once and discard it. Read the current package labeling before use.

Only when the electrode, device, and applicable protocol permit alcohol-based preparation.

Alcohol must not remain wet beneath an adhesive or current-delivering electrode. Residual moisture may affect adhesion, skin contact, or the procedure. Some neurodiagnostic workflows instead require a dedicated product such as NuPrep Skin Prep Gel, while disposable ECG and electrotherapy pads have their own preparation instructions.

Customers selecting replacement stimulation pads can review our TENS Electrode Buying Guide and Electrotherapy Electrodes collection.

• Keep packets in their original box until needed.
• Do not use a packet that is torn, open, leaking, or damaged.
• Protect the product from flame and excessive heat.
• Follow the storage temperature printed on the current carton.
• Do not open packets in advance.
• Discard pads that appear dry or contaminated.
• Do not reuse an opened pad.
• Rotate inventory by expiration date.
• Keep the product out of reach of children.

The label specifies room-temperature storage at 15–30°C or 59–86°F. Follow the labeling on the actual size and lot supplied.