A Fluid Handling Assessment of Foam Dressings

Aim: To assess the fluid handling characteristics of foam dressings in a variety of tests in order to understand their exudate handling capabilities.

Method: Four adhesive foam dressings were analysed in the study (A, B, C & D)*.

Absorptive characteristics of the dressings were determined by allowing absorption in an excess of Solution A (142mmol Sodium ions, 2.5mmol Calcium ions) for 30minutes at 37^oC (n=3).

Fluid uptake was assessed by inverting a test tube with 10ml of Solution A onto the dressing surface and recording uptake time to the nearest second (n=2).

A WRAP¹ wound model assessed the behaviour of each dressing in a clinically relevant manner. The dressings were then assessed for fluid retention properties under simulation of approximately 30mmHg of pressure (n=3). 

Results:  When tested to capacity, dressing A absorbed an average of 103.29g per dressing, B absorbed 33.6g per dressing, C absorbed 30.91g, and D absorbed 35.18g.

The fluid uptake test provided the following uptake timings- dressing A: 112 seconds, dressings B & C >5400seconds; dressing D: 23 seconds.

On WRAP model testing, of the 48ml of supplied fluid, only dressing A handled the entire volume. Dressing B was unable to absorb 1.6g, C did not absorb 13.79g and dressing D failed to absorb 11.96g. Following compression, dressing A retained 100% of the fluid absorbed, B retained 98%, C 89% and D 92%.

Conclusion: The fluid handling characteristics of a number of dressings were observed, demonstrating a range of performance in exudate management.