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Laboratory Research
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An antimicrobial silver alginate dressing for the management of chronic wounds Tracy Rennsion, BSc, Deborah Addison, Michelle Del Bono, Margaret Stedman The management of chronic wounds is very complex, a number of factors have to be taken into account before wound balance is achieved. A novel Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing has been developed for the management of chronic wounds that are moderately to highly exuding. The Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing consists of calcium alginate with carboxymethylcellulose and silver coated fibres. The Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing has been evaluated in a number of in-vitro simulated in-use tests to assess its suitability as a dressing for chronic wounds. The simulated in-use tests comprised of a total absorbent capacity test over a number of days, using a secondary dressing to assess the absorbency characteristics of the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing over time. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed in two different ways, firstly by determining the silver ion release from the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing into simulated wound fluid that is changed daily over a number of days. Secondly by assessing the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing in the zone of inhibition test using common wound pathogens, testing is performed over a number of days. From the simulated in-use tests it can be seen that the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing in conjunction with a secondary dressing demonstrated a high level of exudate management over time. The antimicrobial efficacy of the dressing was demonstrated by the continued silver ion release in simulated wound fluid from the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing over a number of days. In addition repeated zones of inhibition were observed over a number of days with the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing to the common wound pathogens. In conclusion, the high exudate management and sustained antimicrobial activity are demonstrated by the Antimicrobial Silver Alginate Dressing. This combination of attributes makes the dressing an ideal candidate for the management of chronic wounds. |
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