Silver Impregnated Wound Dressings on the Drug Tariff

Author: Andrew Heenan RGN RMN BA(Hons)

• Silver Impregnated Alginate Dressing
• Silver Impregnated Cavity Dressing
• Fibrous Silver Impregnated Hydrocolloid
• Silver Impregnated Hydrocolloid
• Silver Impregnated Protease Modulating Matrix
• Silver Coated Barrier Dressing
• Silver Impregnated, Poyurethane Foam Film
• Silver Impregnated Soft Polymer
• Silver Impregnated Soft Silicone, Polyurethane Foam Backing
• Silver Impregnated Soft Polymer with Polyurethane Foam Film
• References
• Related Articles

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 Dressing

Alginate Dressing with Silver and Absorbent Backing

For medium to heavily exuding wounds

Product	Size	Contact Pad	Border	Price
Sorbsan Silver Plus	7.5cm x 10cm			£3.31
	10cm x 15cm			£5.50
	10cm x 20cm			£6.69
	15cm x 20cm			£8.98
Sorbsan Silver Plus SA with adhesive border	11.5cm x 14cm	7.5cm x 10cm	2cm	£5.38
	14cm x 19cm	10cm x 15cm	2cm	£7.73
	14cm x 24cm	10cm x 20cm	2cm	£8.51
	19cm x 24cm	15cm x 20cm	2cm	£9.49

Alginate Containing Hydrocolloid Dressing

For medium to heavily exuding wounds.

Product	Size	Basic
Urgosorb Silver	5cm x 5cm	144p	non-silvered alginate dressings here
	10cm x 10cm	344p
	10cm x 20cm	648p

Silver Impregnated Cavity Dressing

Non-silvered cavity dressings here

Silver Impregnated Fibrous Hydrocolloid

Silver Impregnated Fibrous Hydrocolloid without Adhesive Border

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

Soft Polymer Wound Contact Dressing with Polyurethane Foam Film Backing Impregnated with Silver

SilverSoft Silicone Contact Dressing, with Polyurethane Foam Backing Impregnated with Silver

Use with care for heavily bleeding wounds.

With Silicone Adhesive Border

References

1. Prescription Pricing Authority, Department of Health. Drug Tariff. London: The Stationery Office, June 2011.

Article Updated: June 2011

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