![[ Visit WOCN Website ]](images/banner.jpg)
BACKGROUND: Absorbance is a critical factor in wound dressing performance, and predicting absorbance while under compression is important in the development of effective dressings and compression bandages. A new test system was developed using controlled fluid delivery to simulate clinical use and to monitor fluid-spread and absorbance of dressings while under a compression bandage system.
METHODS: Two prototypes of a new foam dressing were tested for fluid-spread and absorption characteristics by observing the skin-side surface of the dressings through a transparent pipe and recording observations with time-lapse photography. The system was designed to deliver fluid at a constant rate to simulate medium-to-highly-exuding wounds. Compression was maintained at a constant rate with 2-layer compression bandages applied with equivalent stretch and pressure. Four replicates of each dressing were simultaneously tested with four cameras over a 72-hour test period. Computer-assisted image analysis of the time-lapse images provided measurements of fluid contact surface area with the simulated periwound area and time/volume of fluid absorbed until leakage.
RESULTS: Volume of fluid absorbed prior to leakage was 7.6 and 8.8 mL for dressings A and B, respectively, with dressing B demonstrating a 16% improvement over dressing A in protecting the simulated periwound area under high exuding wound conditions (18 mL/24hr) and high compression bandaging (40 mmHg).
CONCLUSIONS: The two dressings differed substantially in fluid handling capability while under compression, leading to a preferred foam dressing construction. The skin-surface image acquisition test was easy to use and proved useful in distinguishing between prototypes to optimize wound moisture management and protect vulnerable periwound skin.