111 operative splash basins from operating theatres of patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty were randomized to be prepared with a solution of 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate or sterile water. Samples were taken from the splash basin after completion of surgery, and assessed for the rate of positive bacterial growth on tryptic soy agar. Patients were also followed up for cases of wound complications. Results demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of positive bacterial growth among samples from the 0.05% CHG group compared to the sterile water group, No significant difference in the incidence of wound complications was observed.