In Vitro Comparison of the Total Fluid Absorptive Capacity of Two Silicone Bordered Foam Dressings

Optimal wound healing requires effective exudate management because the caustic elements often present in wound exudate may contribute to skin breakdown and periwound maceration. Maceration caused by improperly managed wound exudate has been correlated with a cycle of chronicity. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the total fluid absorptive capacity of a silicone bordered foam dressing* to silicone bordered foam with a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) interface dressing^.

The total fluid absorptive capacity of a silicone bordered foam dressing was compared to a competitive silicone bordered foam with a CMC interface dressing per a modified BS EN 13726-1. This standard is intended to assess the performance of dressings, typically used on moderately to heavily exuding wounds. For each dressing, the liner covering the adhesive portion was removed and discarded, and the dry dressing weight was measured. The dressing was then placed into a pan of sodium chloride and calcium chloride dihydrate dissolved in deionized water solution, which mimics the ionic composition of wound exudate, for 30 seconds. Then, the dressing lifted out of the pan, and the excess fluid was allowed to run off. The dressing was weighed again. Five replicates for each dressing were done.

The total fluid absorptive capacity of silicone bordered foam dressing was 0.55 g/cm². The total fluid absorptive capacity of the silicone bordered foam with a CMC interface dressing was 0.45 g/cm². The results indicate that the silicone bordered foam dressing absorbed 22% more fluid than the competitive dressing. Further studies are warranted.