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Making Sense Of Plus "Alginates - A Gentle Touch" |
Silver Impregnated Wound Dressings on the Drug TariffAuthor: Andrew Heenan RGN RMN BA(Hons)
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This article includes a range of silver impregnated dressings from Drug Tariff [1]. Silver-impregnated wound dressings are expensive; usually about three times the price of their non-silvered equivalent. So it is important to be sure that they are used appropriately, and that they provide value for money. It has long been argued that wound infection is best dealt with by systemic antibiotics, and wound contamination best managed by wound cleansing (or ignored). So why use silvered dressings if the wound is merely contaminated? How can the extra expense be justified? Why use silvered dressings if there are overt signs of infection, such as discolouration, inflammation, pain, delayed healing? Surely systemic antibiotics are indicated? It is important to assess each wound and decide on the appropriate dressing. If cross infection is an issue, or if colonisation is perceived as a risk, then a silver-based dressing may be the answer. But at several times the price of a hydrocolloid occlusive dressing, it may a case of buying a Rolls Royce for the Saturday newspaper round, where a bicycle would probably be a more fexible, appropriate choice. Proprietary names are included for convenience; prices are for individual sterile-packed items (unless otherwise stated); these are only a guide to the true cost. Sizes are in centimetres (cm). Silver Impregnated Alginate Dressingcalcium alginate wound dressing for shallow, wet wounds, plus antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria.
Alginate Dressing with Silver and Absorbent BackingFor medium to heavily exuding wounds
Alginate Containing Hydrocolloid Dressing For medium to heavily
exuding wounds.
Silver Impregnated Cavity DressingIndications: medium or heavily exuding cavity wounds.
Non-silvered cavity dressings here Silver Impregnated Fibrous HydrocolloidFor medium to heavily exuding wounds. These dressings should be covered with a moisture-retentive dressing.
Silver Impregnated Fibrous Hydrocolloid without Adhesive BorderFor medium to heavily exuding wounds. These dressings should be covered with a moisture-retentive dressing.
Silver Impregnated Protease Modulating Matrix
Silver Coated Barrier Dressing
Silver Impregnated Poyurethane Foam Film: with Adhesive Border
Silver Impregnated Poyurethane Foam Film: without Adhesive Border
Soft Polymer Wound Contact Dressing Impregnated with Silver
Silver Impregnated Soft Polymer Wound Contact Dressing with Polyurethane Foam Film Backing
Silver Impregnated Soft Silicone Contact Dressing with Silver, with Polyurethane Foam BackingUse with care for heavily bleeding wounds.
References1. Prescription Pricing Authority, Department of Health. Drug Tariff. London: The Stationery Office, March 2008. Article Updated: March 2008 Related articles
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Andrew Heenan is a Nurse, Journalist and Web Editor. Enquiries via www.realnurse.net Real Nurse Articles may be reproduced for personal use, copied and distributed, or republished elsewhere - provided the above author details are included, and this condition is passed to all users. Publishers are asked to inform the author of publication. Details |
26 March 2008 | 
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