title: Microclimate impact of prophylactic dressings using in vitro body analog method.
abstract: Wound dressings have been successfully explored for use in prevention of pressure ulcers in individuals who are at clinical high-risk for developing ulcers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, application of a recently described body analog test fixture and method is used to evaluate performance features of 8 clinically available dressings for prophylaxis. Documenting dressing performance is essential to defining the proper use and limits to application of dressings for ulcer prevention. These in vitro studies were undertaken to characterize the impact on the microclimate generated by the application of a dressing to the surface of the skin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The measurement of moisture trapped next to the skin, moisture escaped from the dressing, and heat trapped by the dressing show that some dressings are more suited for skin protection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is evident that an optimal performance band for microclimate management exists in the application of dressings for prophylaxis, and that dressings should be evaluated for proper performance prior to implementation in a pressure ulcer prevention program. ﻿.
authors: Weber State University, Ogden, UT; email: ecall@weber.edu.
authors: Evan
authors: E
authors: Call
authors: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
authors: Justin
authors: J
authors: Pedersen
authors: Weber State University, Ogden, UT.
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Bill
authors: Weber State University, Ogden, UT.
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: Oberg
authors: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Ferguson-Pell