Objective: To assess whether after disinfection of the umbilicus in neonates , the genitalia and the surrounding tissues of parturient women with Jodisol (3% solution of povidone-iodine) iodine is absorbed by the skin. Design: Clinical comparative study. Setting: District hygiene station, Wolkerova 4, 416 65 Teplice. Methods: In 66 neonates where the umbilicus was repeatedly treated with Jodisol and in 90 neonates where for disinfection of the umbilicus Manox was used which does not contain iodine, on the third day after delivery the urinary iodine concentration was assessed by a modification of the Sandell Kolthoff method. Ioduria was assessed also in 73 parturient women after disinfection of the skin with Jodisol and in 95 women before disinfection. Results: In the urine of neonates where the umbilicus was treated with Jodisol a mean iodide concentration of 304 mg/L was recorded with a maximum of 2016 mg/L, while in urine of those where a non-iodine peparation was used for disinfection the mean value was 135 mg/L and the maximum 486mg/L. The differences are statistically significant, p < 0.001.There were no significant differences in the ioduria of women before and after disinfection of the skin with Jodisol. Conclusion: After the use of Jodisol for disinfection of the umbilicus iodine is absorbed by the permeable neonatal skin. When deciding on the use of this preparation it is necessary to evaluate not only its advantages but also the possible risk of damaging thyroid functions. Adult skin is much less permeable for iodine.

        Key words: neonates, mothers, iodine absorption by skin