Cardinal Health Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads | 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

Cardinal Health™ Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads – Medium or Large

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. 

Product highlights

• 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. 

Quick specifications

Available sizes and quantities

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. 

Medium vs. large alcohol prep pads

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

Choose medium when:

• 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.

Choose "Large" when:

• 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.

Box vs. case packaging

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

What does 70% isopropyl alcohol mean?

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.

What does “CHG compatible” mean?

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. 

Directions for use

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.

Important warnings

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.

Can alcohol pads be used before an electrode?

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.

Storage and handling

• 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. 

Frequently asked questions

What are alcohol prep pads from Cardinal Health used for?

Their labeled use is for skin preparation prior to injection. They are topical antiseptic pads containing 70% isopropyl alcohol. 

Are these pads sterile?

Yes. They are sterile and individually packaged. Sterility applies while the individual packet remains intact and unopened. 

What is the active ingredient?

The active ingredient is isopropyl alcohol USP, 70% v/v. Purified water is the listed inactive ingredient. 

How many pads are in a box?

Each box contains 200 individually wrapped pads.

How many pads are in a case?

Each case contains 20 boxes of 200, for a total of 4,000 pads.

What is the difference between MW-APM and MW-APL?

MW-APM is the medium pad measuring 6.5 × 3 cm when unfolded. MW-APL is the large pad measuring 9 × 4.5 cm when unfolded. Both contain 70% isopropyl alcohol and are packaged 200 per box.

Are these pads 2-ply?

Yes. Both the medium and large products use 2-ply nonwoven material. 

Are the pads reusable?

No. Each packet contains one single-use pad. Use it once and discard it.

Do they contain chlorhexidine?

No chlorhexidine is listed in the active or inactive ingredients. The pads contain 70% isopropyl alcohol and purified water. “CHG compatible” does not mean “contains CHG.” 

Are they made with natural rubber latex?

Cardinal Health’s medicated wipes are not made with natural rubber latex. 

Can they be used on an open wound?

The labeled use is injection-site preparation—not open-wound cleansing. The instructions say not to use the pads on irritated skin and to consult a doctor for deep or puncture wounds. 

Can they be used near a flame?

No. Isopropyl alcohol is flammable. Keep the product away from fire or flame. 

Can they be used during electrocautery?

No. The label specifically says not to use them with electrocautery procedures.

Can they be used to disinfect equipment?

The label identifies them for topical preparation of skin prior to injection. It does not identify them as surface or equipment disinfectants.

What should I do if the pad is dry?

Discard it. A dry, damaged, or previously opened packet should not be used.

Which size is best for a portable kit?

The MW-APM medium pad offers the smaller footprint. The choice should still be based on the intended preparation site and facility procedure.

Which option is best for a high-volume clinic?

A 4,000-pad case provides 20 boxes of 200 and reduces the need to reorder individual boxes frequently.