17.2.6 Alginate dressings

Non-woven or fibrous, non-occlusive, alginate dressings, made from calcium alginate, or calcium sodium alginates, derived from brown seaweed, form a soft gel in contact with wound exudates.

Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and suitable for use on exuding wounds, and for the promotion of autolytic debridement of debris in very moist wounds. Alginate dressings also act as a haemostatic, but caution is needed because blood clots can cause the dressing to adhere to the wound surface. Alginate dressings should not be used if bleeding is heavy and extreme caution is needed if used for tumours with friable tissue.

Alginate sheets are suitable for use as a wound contact dressing for moderately to heavily exuding wounds and can be layered into deep wounds; alginate rope can be used in sinus and cavity wounds to improve absorption of exudates and prevent maceration. If the dressing does not have an adhesive border or integral adhesive plastic film backing, a secondary dressing will be required.

ActivHeal® Alginate

(Soft, conformable, highly absorbent calcium sodium alginate dressing)

  • Dressing 5cm x 5cm (£0.59), 10cm x 10cm (£1.15), 10cm x 20cm (£2.83)

Notes

  1. For use in acute and chronic wounds with moderate to heavy exudate
  2. Can be used to control minor bleeding in superficial wounds
  3. Change frequency / wear time = up to 3 days
ActivHeal® Alginate Rope

(Soft, conformable, highly absorbent calcium sodium alginate dressing)

  • Rope 2cm x 30cm (£2.13)

Notes

  1. For use in acute and chronic cavity wounds with moderate to heavy exudate
  2. Can be used to control minor bleeding in superficial wounds
  3. Change frequency / wear time = up to 3 days
Last updated: 26-11-2020

 

Home > Formulary > Chapters > 17. Wound Management Formulary > 17.2 Advanced wound dressings > 17.2.6 Alginate dressings

 

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