SMTL Dressings Datacard

Description

Bioclusive consists of a thin polyurethane membrane coated with a layer of an acrylic adhesive. The dressing, which is permeable to both water vapour and oxygen, is impermeable to micro-organisms. Once in position, it provides an effective barrier to external contamination, whilst producing a moist environment at the surface of the wound by reducing water vapour loss from the exposed tissue. Under these conditions, scab formation is prevented and epidermal regeneration takes place at an enhanced rate, compared with wounds treated with traditional dry dressings.

Indications

Bioclusive may be used in the treatment of minor burns, donor sites, post-operative wounds, , and a variety of minor injuries including abrasions and lacerations. It may also be used as a dressing for peripheral and central intravenous catheters, and as a protective cover to prevent skin breakdown due to friction or continuous exposure to moisture.

Contra-indications

Although there are no absolute contra-indications to the use of Bioclusive, it is not recommended that the dressing be applied over deep cavity wounds, third degree burns, or wounds that show evidence of clinical infection.

Method of use

Bioclusive is applied in the same manner as an adhesive plaster, but in order to ensure good adhesion, the dressing should be allowed a minimum overlap of 4-5 cm from the margin of the wound onto the surrounding skin. An appropriately sized dressing is selected, the central part of the backing paper is removed, and the film is placed in direct contact with the wound whilst being held at both ends. The two end pieces of backing paper are removed and the dressing is lightly smoothed into position.

On clean, heavily exuding wounds, large quantities of fluid sometimes accumulate beneath the film. This should be left undisturbed as far as possible, but if accumulation becomes excessive, it may be aspirated off with a syringe using an aseptic technique. A small patch of Bioclusive should be applied over the puncture to prevent leakage or contamination.

Frequency of Change

In general, the manufacturers of Bioclusive recommend that in order to avoid the possibility of bacterial colonisation, the dressings should not be left in position for longer than seven days. This is particularly important where the film is being used to retain an IV catheter in position.

Presentation

Bioclusive is presented individually wrapped in a peel pouch, sterilised by ethylene oxide.

Sizes

5.1 cm × 7.6cm

10.2 cm × 12.7 cm*

10.2 cm × 25.4 cm

20.3 cm × 25.4 cm

12.7 cm × 17.8 cm

* available on Drug Tariff.

Bibliography

1. Thomas S, et al., Comparative review of the properties of six semipermeable film dressings, Pharm. J., 1988, 240, 785-787.

Revision Details

This datacard has been prepared from data provided by the manufacturer and/or from published literature.

URL: http://www.worldwidewounds.com/WMPRC/DataCards/HTML/bioclusi.html
Last Modified: Thursday, 28-Mar-2002 10:20:20 GMT