A hemostatic dressing is a type of medical dressing used to control bleeding from a wound. It is designed to promote clotting and stop bleeding quickly. Hemostatic dressings are used in various medical settings, including emergency rooms, operating rooms, and battlefields. Hemostatic dressings are typically made of a highly absorbent material that contains an agent that promotes clotting.
The most common hemostatic agents are kaolin, chitosan, and cellulose. Kaolin is a clay-like substance that absorbs blood and forms a gel-like substance that helps to promote clotting.
Chitosan is a polysaccharide derived from crustaceans' shells that helps form a clot by binding to the proteins in the blood.
Cellulose is a plant-based material that helps to absorb and form a clot.
Hemostatic dressings control bleeding from various wounds, including cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds. They are also used to control bleeding from surgical incisions and to help control bleeding during childbirth. In addition, hemostatic dressings can be combined with other treatments, such as pressure, elevation, and tourniquets, to help control bleeding.
Hemostatic dressings are generally safe and effective when used correctly. However, they should not be used on actively bleeding wounds, as they may cause further damage to the wound. They should also not be used on wounds that are infected or have a high risk of infection.
