because of these critical indications, only sterile povidone-iodine should be used in most cases. non-sterile product can be appropriate in limited circumstances in which people have intact, healthy skin that will not be compromised or cut. the non-sterile form of povidone iodine has a long history of intrinsic contamination with "burkholderia cepacia", and other opportunistic pathogens. its ability to harbor such microbes further underscores the importance of using sterile products in any clinical setting.