Calcium Sodium Alginate Wound Dressing

The rope or ribbon shaped dressings are recommended for deep wounds and are packed into the wound itself.

Calcium sodium alginate wound dressing.

Made from natural alginate fibers derived from brown seaweed calcium alginate dressings release calcium salts of alginic mannuronic and gularonic acids that when combined with the sodium rich fluids found in wounds creates a reaction resulting in the formation of a soluble sodium gel. It is easy and painless to remove with minimal tissue trauma. The dressing absorbs approximately 20 times its weight in exudate. It is designed to absorb exudate and to help control minor bleeding.

They come in the form of flat dressings that can be placed over open ulcers and rope dressings that are used for packing the wound which absorb fluids and promote healing with pressure ulcers diabetic foot ulcers or venous ulcers. Alginate dressings are absorbent wound care products that contain sodium and calcium fibers derived from seaweed. Kendall calcium alginate dressings are designed to interact with sodium in wounds to create an ionic exchange and help jump start the epitheliazation process. They are either applied directly or soaked in a saline solution before application.

An individual dressing is able to absorb up to 20 times its own weight. Convatec kaltostat calcium sodium alginate wound dressing is a soft sterile dressing made of calcium sodium alginate fiber that converts to a firm gel or fiber mat on contact with fluid. Alginates are therefore absorbent wound dressings that usually contain calcium and sodium fibers derived from carbohydrate sources usually seaweed.