Hydrofera Blue

Published: Apr 18, 2011

Hydrofera Blue Bacteriostatic Foam Wound Dressing

Hydrofera Bacteriostatic Foam Dressing is a highly absorptive, non-adhesive, synthetic sponge composed of polyvinyl alcohol foam, impregnated with Methylene Blue and Genetian Violet, which provide broad-spectrum bacteriostatic protection.

It is effective against a variety of microorganisms including MRSA and VRE. Hydrofera Blue has high filtering efficiency, extreme softness, excellent wicking and retention properties and has been approved for use in the management of wounds except third degree burns and is intended for use in the management of complex and infected wounds.

Indications

Hydrofera Blue Bacteriostatic Foam Wound Dressings are intended as an external dressing for use in local wound management such as:

Pressure Ulcers
Venous Stasis Ulcers
Arterial Ulcers
Diabetic Ulcers
Donor Sites
Abrasions
Lacerations
Radiation Burns
Post-Surgical Incisions
Other external wounds caused by trauma.

Contraindications

Hydrofera Blue Bacteriostatic Foam Wound Dressings are not indicated for third degree burns.

Application of Hydrofera Blue Dressing

Wound Site Preparation

Prior to the initial application of Hydrofera Blue Wound Dressing, the wound should be debrided of any necrotic tissue.
Prior to the application of each Hydrofera Blue Wound Dressing, the wound should be cleansed with normal saline and/or an appropriate cleansing solution.

Dressing Application

Open the Hydrofera Blue Foam Wound Dressing package, keeping the dressing on the inside of the package.
Make sure the dressing is larger than the wound area, covering any erythematic tissue. For packing, the dressing may be trimmed to size.
Moisten the dressing with sterile saline or sterile water and squeeze out excess.
Place the dressing on or in the wound. The dressing may be folded or layered to ensure the desired fit. (Fill the wound cavity or make sure the dressing is larger than the wound area).
Secure with a secondary dressing to prevent displacement and retain moisture (transparent film or petroleum gauze will suffice).

Dressing Change and Removal

Change the dressing every 1-3 days.
Do not let the dressing completely dry out. (if drying out, you can cover it with Vaseline gauze to retain moisture).
Rehydrate dressing as needed depending on drainage amount.
The dressing should be changed if the dressing turns white.
The dressing should be changed upon strike through drainage.

Precautions and Observations

Infections: All wounds can be expected to contain some microorganisms; however, if tru clinical symptoms should develop, appropriate steps as defined by the attending physician should be taken to address that infection. Regular evaluation and cleansing of infected wounds should be a common practice.
Underlying Causes: Some wounds such as leg ulcers can be non-healing unless steps are taken to correct the underlying pathology. Hydrofera Blue Bacteriostatic Foam Wound Dressings are designed for local wound management and to be part of the overall management program for these types of wounds.
Desiccation: Hydrofera Blue Bacteriostatic Foam Wound Dressings are designed to maintain a moist wound environment that will facilitate wound healing. If a Hydrofera Blue Dressing is allowed to desiccate, rehydration with sterile saline or sterile water is recommended prior to removal.

Hydrofera Blue Bacteriostatic Foam Wound Dressings have two organic pigments bound to the foam to render it bacteriostatic. The dressing has been tested in vitro and found to be a bacteriostatic barrier for the following bacteria: MRSA, VRE, Staphylococcus, Bacillus subtilis, Yersinia entercolitica, Staph aureus, Serratia marcescens, E-Coli, Epidermidis. The dressing has not been subjected to a double blind clinical study. (Studies are currently in progress.)

All safety and effectiveness testing is on file at Hydrofera LLC.