Wound care New

Sterile sponges come in pouches of one or two for dressing changes. Non-sterile sponges come in sleeves of 200 for prep and cleaning. Every listing states sterility and pack format, because a sterile item carries a different regulatory status, and nothing is written as sterile unless the unit package is labeled sterile.

Woven cotton gauze is the traditional sponge, with USP Type VII meaning 20 by 12 threads per inch, in 8, 12 or 16 ply. Non-woven sponges of rayon and polyester are softer, lint less and absorb more at 4 or 6 ply. Size and ply are stated on every listing.

Tape is chosen by backing and by how gently it releases. Paper and silicone tapes release gently for fragile skin. Cloth and plastic tapes hold stronger. Each listing states the backing, the adhesive and the width.

The clinician decides. In general, films suit dry or lightly draining wounds, hydrocolloids light to moderate drainage, foams and alginates moderate to heavy drainage. Each listing states the dressing type, the pad size and the border.

Medicare and Medicaid bill advanced dressings in three pad-area bands: 16 square inches or less, over 16 to 48, and over 48. Each dressing listing shows the pad area so the band is clear.

Elastic bandages and cohesive wraps are made with or without natural rubber latex. Every listing carries the latex statement, and an item that contains natural rubber latex carries FDA's required caution.