AQUACEL Ag Hydrofiber Dressing (silver impregnated antimicrobial dressing) is a soft, sterile, nonwoven pad or ribbon dressing composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and 1.2% ionic silver which allows the maximum of 12mg of silver for a 4 inch x 4 inch dressing. The silver on the dressing kills wound bacteria held in the dressing, and provides an antimicrobial barrier to protect the wound bed. This dressing absorbs high amounts of wound fluid and bacteria and creates a soft, cohesive gel that intimately conforms to the wound surface, maintains a moist environment and aids in the removal of non-viable tissue from the wound (autolytic debridement). Moist wound healing environment and control of wound bacteria supports the body's healing process and helps reduce the risk of wound infection.
INDICATIONS
Under the supervision of a healthcare professional, AQUACEL Ag Hydrofiber. Dressing may be used for the management of:
* Wounds as an effective barrier to bacterial penetration of the dressing as this may help reduce infection;
* Partial thickness (second degree) burns;
* Diabetic foot ulcer, leg ulcers, (venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers and leg ulcers of mixed etiology) and pressure ulcers/sores (partial & full thickness);
* Surgical wounds left to heal by secondary intension such as dehisced surgical incisions;
* Surgical wounds that heal by primary intent such as dermatological and surgical incisions (e.g., orthopedic and vascular);
* Traumatic wounds;
* Wounds that are prone to bleeding, such as wounds that have been mechanically or surgically debrided and donor sites;
* Oncology wounds with exudate, such as fungoides-cutaneos tumors, fungating carcinoma, cutaneous metastasis, Kaposi's sarcoma, and angiosarcoma;
* Management of painful wounds;
* Infected wounds.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
AQUACEL Ag Dressing should not be used on individuals who are sensitive to or who have had an allergic reaction to the dressing or its components.
CAUTION:
* Do not re-use.
* Keep dry.
* Keep away from sunlight.
* Temperature limit. (10C - 25C/50F - 77F)
* Not made with natural rubber latex.
* Consult instructions for use.
DIRECTION FOR USE:
* Before applying the dressing, cleanse the wound area with an appropriate wound cleanser.
* AQUACEL Ag should overlap 1cm (1/2 inch) onto the skin surrounding the wound.
* When using AQUACEL Ag ribbon in cavity wounds, leave at least 2.5cm (1 inch) outside the wound for easy retrieval. Only pack deep wounds to 80%, as AQUACEL Ag ribbon will expand to fill the wound space on contact with wound fluid.
* In donor sites, AQUACEL Ag may be left in place for up to 14 days.
* This primary dressing should be used with a secondary cover dressing. Apply the dressing to the wound and cover with a moisture retentive dressing, foam dressing, gauze or other appropriate dressing. Remove the AQUACEL Ag when clinically indicated (i.e. leakage, excessive bleeding, increased pain) or after a maximum of seven (7) days.