Smith & Nephew AlgiSite M Calcium Alginate Dressing

AlgiSite Alginate Dressing Benefits

Easy To Remove

• When used in a moderate to highly exuding wound, the dressing forms a soft gel, which does not adhere to the delicate healing tissues in the wound bed - The dressing can be easily lifted out of the wound in one piece, or washed out with saline

Conforms To Wound Contours

• Algisite M is very soft and conformable, allowing it to be molded, folded or cut to meet a wide range of wound shapes and sizes
• As the fibers gel, an even more intimate contact with the wound is produced and maintained

Less Fiber Shed

• All fiber based alginates release fibers when handled, however the advanced bonding technique employed in Algisite M greatly reduces this

Moist Wound Environment 

• The production of a gel by the action of exudate on the alginate fibers creates a moist wound environment at the wound surface
• This helps prevent eschar formation and promotes an optimal moist wound environment
• The dressing allows wound contraction to occur, which may help reduce scarring and also allows gaseous exchange necessary for a healthy wound bed

Highly Absorbent

• In-vitro studies have shown that Algisite M can absorb 13 times its own weight in exudate
• This allows the dressing to remain in the wound for up to 7 days, depending on the nature of the wound and the volume of exudate

What to buy with Algisite Calcium Alginate Dressings by Smith

• Coloplast Sea-Clens Wound Cleanser
• Calmoseptine Moisture Barrier Ointment
• Bard Medi-Aire Biological Odor Eliminator - 8 Oz Refiller Bottle

How to use AlgiSite M Calcium Wound Dressing

1. Step 1: Cleanse the wound in accordance with normal procedures.
2. Step 2: Choose a dressing which is slightly larger than the wound and place it in intimate contact with the wound base ensuring the entire surface is covered. It may be best to use the alginate strip if the wound is deep or undermined. To help avoid maceration of the surrounding skin, cut the ALGISITE M to the size of the wound or alternately fold any dressing material overlying the wound into the wound.
3. Step 3: Apply using an appropriate dressing technique.
4. Step 4: Cover with an appropriate retention dressing. Wound exudate will evaporate from the gel surface; the secondary dressing should not hinder this evaporative process where exudate is heavy.
5. Step 5: Generally dressings should be changed daily in heavily draining wounds, reducing to twice weekly (or weekly) as healing proceeds.
6. Step 6: To remove ALGISITE M, use tweezers, forceps or a gloved hand to gently lift the dressing away - the high wet strength generally allows it to remain in one piece. The dressing may adhere if used on a very lightly exuding wound. Removal of the dressing is facilitated by saturating the wound with saline.

When to use Smith & Nephew AlgiSite Wound Dressing

For OTC applications, ALGISITE M may be used for the management of minor conditions such as:

• Lacerations
• Abrasions
• Skin tears
• Minor burns

Under the care of a healthcare professional, ALGISITE M may be used for the management of full and partial thickness wounds including:

• Leg Ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Surgical wounds

Precautions

• Ensure the packing in cavities, sinuses etc. has been removed.
• The dressing may adhere if used on very lightly exuding wounds. If the dressing is not easily removed, moisten it with saline, then remove.
• Do not use on patients with a known allergy to alginates.