Devices, kits and methods for reducing the
risk of infection at an injection or
incision site are described herein. The device contains a
bioadhesive, biocompatible and bioerodable material and one or more
disinfectant agents. In the preferred embodiment, the material is formed of one ore more hydrogels Optionally, the device also contains one or more anesthetics to decrease discomfort. The device may be marked or calibrated to facilitate localized injection or incision at a pre-specified site on the
skin or
mucus membrane. After identifying or selecting the injection or
incision site, the device is placed on the site for a time sufficient to achieve localized disinfection, and optionally localized
anesthesia. Then the needle or
surgical instrument is inserted through the composition into the site. Thereafter, the
drug is administered, fluid is removed, in the case of an injection, or the
surgical instrument is placed at the site, in the case of an incision. Then the needle or
surgical instrument is removed from the site, and the device forms a continuous seal over the site. The
disinfectant and / or
anesthetic is delivered before, during, and / or after the treatment. Optionally, the
disinfectant and / or
anesthetic is released in a controlled-release manner. Optionally, the disinfectant and / or
anesthetic may de delivered following a time-
delay. In a second embodiment, the device may be placed at
a site following the injection or incision at the site to reduce the
risk of infection, provide
anesthesia, and / or prevent
reflux of blood or fluid following the injection or incision.