Smith & Nephew Durafiber Ag Silver Gelling Fiber Wound Dressing

Durafiber Gelling Fiber Dressing Features

• Smith & Nephew Durafiber Ag Silver Gelling Fiber Wound Dressing is designed to rapidly form a clear cool gel on contact with wound fluid
• Absorbent, non-woven, silver containing antimicrobial dressing composed of cellulose ethyl sulphonate fibers
• Gel absorbs excess fluid and locks exudate away from the wound
• Provides a moist environment to support autolytic debridement and conforms intimately to the wound bed
• High integral wet strength facilitates easy one piece removal from moist wound beds and cavity wounds
• Minimizes trauma to the wound and pain to the patient on removal
• Sustains antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days against a broad spectrum of aerobic, anaerobic bacteria including antibiotic resistant strains
• Starts to kill pathogens within 30 minutes of contact
• Provides broad spectrum antimicrobial activity at four hours against pathogens

When to use Durafiber Wound Dressing?

• Leg ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Diabetic ulcers
• Surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
• Donor sites
• Partial thickness burns
• Tunnelling and fistulae wounds
• Wounds left to heal by secondary intent
• Wounds that are prone to bleeding such as wounds that have been surgically or mechanically debrided

What to buy with Durafiber Dressing

• Amerigel Wound Wash Spray
• Presto Cleansing Wipes
• Medline Curad Waterproof Tape

How to use Durafiber Ag Silver Gelling Fiber Wound Dressing?

1. Cleanse the wound according to local clinical protocol
2. Select appropriate dressing size
3. Remove the Durafiber Ag dressing from pack, using a clean technique. Cut to shape if necessary
4. Apply the dressing to the wound and allow for a 1cm (1/3") dressing overlap onto the skin surrounding the wound
5. When using Durafiber Ag in deep cavity wounds use whole dressings where possible and leave at least 2.5cm (1") of each piece outside the wound for easy retrieval
6. Loosely pack deep wounds up to 80% capacity, as Durafiber Ag will expand on contact with wound fluid
7. Secure Durafiber Ag with a moisture retentive dressing (e.g. allevyn/opsite) or other appropriate secondary retention
8. Dressing can be removed in one piece using sterile tweezers, forceps or a gloved hand
9. Dressing may adhere if used on lightly exuding wounds
10. If the dressing is not easily removed, moisten or soak the dressing in sterile saline to assist removal and avoid disruption of the healing wound.

Freequency of change

• During the early stages of wound management, Durafiber dressings should be inspected frequently
• Dressings can be left undisturbed for up to 7 days or changed when clinically indicated, (e.g. if leakage, excessive bleeding is present)
• Local clinical protocol should also be taken into consideration
• Durafiber Ag is a single use product
• If used on more than one patient, cross-contamination or infection may result
• Opening the dressing pack compromizes the sterile barrier
• Any unused dressing should be discarded

• Clinicians/Healthcare Professionals should be aware that there are very limited data on prolonged and repeated use of silver containing dressings, particularly in children and neonates
• While Durafiber Ag assists in the management of wounds prone to minor bleeding, it is not intended to be used as a surgical sponge in heavily bleeding wounds
• Durafiber Ag is not compatible with oil-based products such as petrolatum
• Avoid contact with electrodes or conductive gels during electronic measurements e.g. EEG and ECG
• Ensure that packing in cavities, sinuses etc. has been removed
• The dressing may not be compatible with topical antimicrobials
• If reddening or sensitization occurs discontinue useIn the event of clinical infection, topical silver does not replace the need for systemic therapy or other adequate infection treatment
• When Durafiber Ag is used on a patient during MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination some warming may be experienced
• Durafiber Ag may cause transient discoloration of the surrounding skin