Problem: There are many silver-containing wound dressings available for managing and preventing wound infection. Each claims to provide effective antimicrobial activity due to the presence of silver in the dressing. However, assuming effectiveness on the basis of an antimicrobial alone ignores the importance of the carrier dressing and its overall role in wound healing.
Solution: Choice of a silver-containing wound dressing should include consideration of the impact that dressing technology has on the effectiveness of antimicrobial activity as well as its influence on other factors essential for wound healing.
New technology: AQUACEL® Ag dressing combines patented Hydrofiber® Technology with ionic silver, a proven broad-spectrum antimicrobial. Recent in vitro testing suggests that dressing technology may impact the antimicrobial effectiveness of silver-containing dressings as well as other factors relevant to wound healing. Specifically, a comparative in vitro study demonstrated how the ability of a dressing to micro-contour to the wound bed is critical to antimicrobial effectiveness. Compared with other silver dressings tested, AQUACEL Ag dressing minimized voids and spaces where bacteria can thrive, allowing the silver within the dressing to be in contact with the wound. AQUACEL Ag dressing was observed to kill more bacteria and control the spread of pathogens.
Indications for use: AQUACEL Ag dressing is indicated for the management of a variety of at risk/infected chronic and acute wounds.
Caution: Not all silver dressings are created equal. Selection of an antimicrobial dressing should take into account in vitro data regarding antimicrobial efficacy of a dressing in addition to its ability to promote wound healing.