How long should preoperative IV antibiotics be administered before cardiac surgery?

Administering preoperative intravenous (IV) antibiotics 30 to 60 minutes before cardiac surgery is the standard practice to ensure optimal prophylaxis against potential surgical site infections. This timing allows the antibiotics to achieve effective tissue levels by the time the surgical procedure begins, which is crucial for minimizing the risk of infection during the operation.

The goal of antibiotic prophylaxis is to provide adequate coverage at the time of incision, which is when the risk of contamination is highest. By administering the antibiotics within this window, it maximizes their effectiveness in preventing postoperative infections that could complicate recovery and lead to additional health issues.

Proper timing is essential because antibiotics given too early may have reduced effectiveness by the time the surgical incision is made, while antibiotics given after the incision would not be able to prevent infection during the critical moments of the procedure.