The development of a novel technique for predicting the exudate handling properties of modern wound dressings.
Numerous methods have been developed for measuring the absorbency of wound dressings but many are product specific and do not permit comparisons between different dressing types. Existing methods are also of limited value when assessing how a dressing is likely to perform in clinical practice. A new wound model has been developed that overcomes both of these problems. It facilitates direct comparisons between products that are different in structure and composition and provides, perhaps for the first time, a method that may be used to predict the time for which dressings might be expected to remain effective on exuding wounds. The historical background to the introduction of test methods for surgical dressings is briefly reviewed, and the development of the new wound model is described. Some preliminary results that illustrate the potential value of this new technique are also presented.
Thomas
S
S
Surgical Materials Testing Laboratory, Princess of Wales Hospital, Coity Road, Bridgend CF31 1RQ.
Fram
P
P
D000042:Absorption; D001458:Bandages; D003102:Colloids; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D014835:Volatilization; D014867:Water; D014945:Wound Healing
D003102:Colloids; D014867:Water