When is antibiotic prophylaxis generally administered?

Antibiotic prophylaxis is generally administered before surgical procedures to reduce the risk of postoperative infections. This approach is based on the principle that antibiotics peak in the bloodstream at the time of potential contamination, which is typically during the surgery. By giving antibiotics beforehand, the goal is to ensure that sufficient levels are present to combat any bacteria that might enter the surgical site.

Administering antibiotics after surgery or only if an infection occurs would not be effective in preventing infections because, once an infection develops, immediate treatment rather than prophylaxis is required. Similarly, giving antibiotics only during the surgical procedure lacks the pre-emptive coverage necessary to reduce infection risk effectively. Thus, the best practice is to administer antibiotic prophylaxis before the procedure begins, allowing for maximum effectiveness in reducing the likelihood of postoperative infections.