| Product Name: | ACTISORB PLUS |
| Classification Name: | Dressing Activated Charcoal Cloth with Silver: |
| Manufacturer: | Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd |
Actisorb Plus, comprises of a charcoal cloth consisting of 95-98% carbon, produced by carbonising and activating a knitted viscose rayon fabric. The rayon fabric is enclosed in a sleeve of spun-bonded non-woven nylon, sealed along all four edges, to facilitate handling of the dressing and to reduce particle and fibre loss.
When used as a dressing, activated charcoal has the ability to adsorb toxins and wound degradation products as well as volatile fatty acids responsible for the production of wound odour.
It has been shown in laboratory studies that certain microorganisms
appear to be attracted to the surface
of the charcoal cloth and thus removed from aqueous
suspension.
If a similar effect occurs
in vivo, the use of Actisorb Plus may help to reduce
the bioburden of the wound and thus improve the healing environment.
This effect is enhanced by the inclusion in the dressing of silver
residues that are chemically and physically bound within the
structure of the carbon fibres. These impart antimicrobial properties
to the fabric and further help to prevent the growth or proliferation
of bacteria bound to the dressing surface.
Actisorb Plus is recommended for use in the management of all types
of malodorous wounds, including
fungating lesions,
faecal fistulae,
infected pressure sores
and heavily exuding
leg ulcers.
Actisorb Plus should not be used on patients who are sensitive to nylon, and should be used with care as a primary dressing on wounds that have a tendency to dry out. In these situations adherence is likely to become a problem.
Actisorb Plus may be applied directly to the wound surface and covered with a secondary dressing, held in position with tape or a bandage, as appropriate. The secondary dressing chosen will depend upon the nature of the wound, but in general, a simple absorbent pad will be sufficient. If it is not considered appropriate to place Actisorb Plus directly on to the wound the dressing may be placed between the selected wound contact material and the secondary dressing.
The frequency of dressing changes will depend entirely upon the nature and condition of the wound: on heavily exuding wounds, daily changes will be required; but on drier wounds, this interval may be extended.
Actisorb Plus should be used in the intact state, and not cut to shape prior to application to the wound.
Actisorb Plus is presented in a waterproof peel pouch, sterilised by gamma irradiation.
10.5 cm × 10.5 cm
19.0 cm × 10.5 cm
1. Mulligan CM, et al., A controlled comparative trial of Actisorb activated charcoal cloth dressing in the community, Br. J. Clin. Pract., 1986, 9, (1), 145-148.
2. Milward P, Comparing treatments for leg ulcers, Nursing Times, 1991, 87, (13), 70-72.
3. Thomas S, Current Practices in the Management of Fungating Lesions and Radiation Damaged Skin, Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory, Bridgend, 1992.
4. Lawrence JC, et al., Malodour and dressings containing active charcoal, Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on Advances in Wound Management, Ed Harding KG, Cherry G, Dealey C, and Turner TD, Macmillan Magazines Ltd, 1993, pp 73-74.
| Editor | |
| Revision No | 1.6 |
| Revision date | 1997/12/16 |
Please inform SMTL of any inaccuracies or changes required in this datacard.
This datacard has been prepared as
an aid to contracting for
purchasers in the NHS in Wales, and should
not be used as a substitute for
literature, instructions or training from the manufacturers
of the devices.
