In Vitro Comparison of the Bacterial Absorption and Retention Capabilities of Two Superabsorbent Wicking Dressings

An essential part in any wound care regimen is the management of wound exudate. Wound exudate may contain caustic elements that can be detrimental to wound healing. It may contain a high bioburden level that may lead to wound infection. Although a moist environment is necessary for optimal wound healing, conditions of extreme wetness may adversely affect healing. Improperly managed wound exudate may lead to further skin breakdown and periwound maceration. Maceration related to poorly managed wound exudate has been associated with a greater risk of abrasion and skin tears and has been correlated with a vicious cycle of chronicity. A new three-layer wicking dressing* with a superabsorbent layer absorbs and retains wound exudate. The purpose of this in vitro evaluation is to compare absorption and retention capabilities of a new three-layer wicking dressing with a super absorbent layer to the leading competitive hydroconductive dressing^.

For this in vitro absorbency and retention evaluation, a variety of bacterial species were inoculated into the test solution. Ten samples of each dressing were used for the absorbency and the retention test.  A standard size section of the dressing was weighed and then placed in contact with a 37˚C solution inoculated with 10⁶ cfu/ml of the bacteria. The dressing was removed from the solution and re-weighed. For the fluid retention test, the absorbency protocol was repeated, and then a load was applied on top of the samples. The sample was then re-weighed.  

Clinically, optimal exudate management removes the excess exudate, which contains bacteria, from the wound bed to help promote wound healing. The results indicate that both the new three-layer dressing and the leading competitive hydroconductive dressing absorb and retain fluid containing bacteria. Further studies are warranted.