ALGICELL Ag is a primary wound dressing made of Calcium Alginate containing 1.4% silver. In the presence of wound exudate, the sodium ions from the exudate take the place of the silver ions, releasing the silver ions. As wound exudate is absorbed, the alginate forms a gel. which assists in maintaining a moist environment for optimal wound healing, and allows intact removal. The silver ions released in the presence of wound fluid protect the dressing from bacterial colonization, and provide an effective barrier to bacterial penetration.

Indications

Under the supervision of a healthcare professional, ALGICELL Ag dressing is an effective barrier to bacterial penetration in moderate to heavily exuding wounds such as:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Leg ulcers (venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers and leg ulcers of mixed etiology)
• Pressure ulcers / sores (partial and full thickness)
• Donor sites, and traumatic and surgical wounds

Contraindication

ALGICELL Ag dressing is not indicated for:

• 3rd degree burns
• Patients with a known sensitivity to alginates or silver
• Controlling of heavy bleeding

Precautions : If the dressing is not easily removed, soak with sterile saline or water until it is removed without difficulty. Excess use of petrolatum-based ointments could impair the performance of this dressing.

Directions for use

• Prior to application of ALGICELL Ag dressing, debride and cleanse the wound area as necessary.
• Use an appropriately sized ALGICELL Ag dressing, slightly overlapping the wound area by about ½ inch (1 cm). For deeper wounds, loosely pack and ensure that the dressing does not overlap the wound margins.
• Apply directly to the wound bed for heavily exuding wounds. Apply to a saline moistened wound bed for wounds with minimal exudate.
• Use an appropriate secondary dressing (such as hydrocolloid, foam,  thin film, or island/composite) to cover the ALGICELL Ag dressing.

Dressing Change and Removal

• ALGICELL Ag dressing provides an antimicrobial effect lasting up to seven days. However, the dressing change frequency will depend on the condition of the patient as well as the level of wound exudate.
• Reapply when the secondary dressing has reached its absorbent capacity or as directed by a wound care professional.
• Moisten with sterile saline if the wound bed appears dry before removal of the dressing.
• Remove the dressing from the wound bed gently.
• Cleanse the wound bed prior to application of new dressing.