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Sodium hypochlorite has long been recognized for its effectiveness as an antiseptic and disinfectant, but its practical use in medicine had been limited due to its reduced stability. However, it has been shown that the method of manufacture can make the vital difference: The ExSept solutions (Amuchina) discussed in this publication differ from other commercially manufactured solutions insofar as they are produced with the help of electrolysis, the result being a highly effective antimicrobial with very good biocompatibility. The papers in this volume concentrate on the experiences made with ExSept solutions in dialysis applications. They provide a sound understanding of how electrolytically produced sodium hypochlorite solutions differ from other commercial solutions, present different uses as both an antiseptic and disinfectant and alleviate some of the stereotypes associated with their medical use. Both in vitro controlled laboratory evaluations and clinical in vivo prospective randomized trials are introduced in this publication, making it a valuable help for clinicians working in the field of dialysis.

Various antiseptic agents, such as chlorhexidine, are used for different applications, e.g. in healthcare, veterinary medicine, animal production and household products, including cosmetics. However, not all antiseptic agents provide significant health benefits, especially in some products used in human medicine (alcohol-based hand rubs, antimicrobial soaps). While some products (antimicrobial soaps, surface disinfectants, instrument disinfectants, wound antiseptics) may contain one or more biocidal agents with a comparable antimicrobial efficacy but large differences in their potential for microbial adaptation and tolerance. An increased bacterial resistance has been described for various antimicrobial agents, sometimes including a cross-resistance to antibiotics. The book is the first comprehensive reference resource on antiseptic agents, including their efficacy, natural and acquired resistance, adaptation, and cross-resistance. It also discusses their and appropriate use in terms of a balance between their efficacy and the risk of acquired bacterial resistance / tolerance. Focusing on human and veterinary medicine and household products, it helps readers make informed decisions concerning against antiseptic products based on their composition. The book contributes to reduce any unnecessary selection pressure towards emerging pathogens and to keep the powerful antiseptic agents for all those applications that have a clear benefit (e.g. reduction of healthcare-associated infection).