ACTICOAT FLEX 7 Antimicrobial Barrier Dressings
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is a sterile, highly flexible antimicrobial wound contact dressing containing nanocrystalline silver, designed for partial- and full-thickness wounds where antimicrobial protection is required. Its soft, conformable knitted polyester construction maintains close contact with the wound surface while allowing wound exudate to pass through into an appropriate secondary dressing.
The nanocrystalline silver provides rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and sustained antimicrobial action for up to 7 days. Smith+Nephew reports bactericidal activity in as little as 30 minutes in vitro.
Key features:
- Contains nanocrystalline silver
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Bactericidal activity demonstrated in as little as 30 minutes in vitro
- Sustained antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days
- Soft and highly flexible
- Conforms closely to body contours and awkward anatomical areas
- Stretchable construction helps accommodate patient movement
- Low-adherent wound contact layer
- Open structure allows exudate to pass through to a secondary dressing
- Helps maintain a moist wound environment when used with an appropriate secondary dressing
- Suitable for partial- and full-thickness wounds
- May be used on infected wounds as part of an appropriate infection-management protocol
- Can be cut to the required shape
- Can be used to pack appropriate wounds
- Compatible with compression therapy when used according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Can be used as a wound contact layer with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for up to 3 days
- Sterile
- Single use
Suitable for:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is indicated as an antimicrobial barrier dressing for partial- and full-thickness wounds, including:
- Burns
- Surgical sites
- Pressure ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Diabetic ulcers
- Infected wounds where antimicrobial management is clinically appropriate
Where ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is used on an infected wound, the infection should be assessed and managed according to the appropriate clinical protocol.
Composition:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 consists of a flexible polyester fabric coated with nanocrystalline silver.
Unlike ACTICOAT 7, FLEX 7 does not contain internal absorbent rayon/polyester layers. Its open, flexible structure allows wound fluid to move through the dressing into an absorbent secondary dressing while maintaining close contact between the silver-coated surface and the wound.
How to use:
Clean the wound according to the recommended wound-care protocol.
Do not use saline with ACTICOAT FLEX 7.
Remove the dressing from its sterile packaging using a clean technique and cut it to the required shape if necessary.
Moisten the dressing according to the local clinical protocol by fully submerging it in water and gently squeezing it. Allow excess water to drain before application.
Alternatively, a thin layer of an appropriate hydrogel, such as INTRASITE Gel, may be applied to the wound and/or dressing when clinically appropriate.
Apply ACTICOAT FLEX 7 without stretching it, ensuring that it lies flat against the wound without creases. The dressing can be applied either way up.
When applying to a limb, position the direction of stretch along the limb to allow movement.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 may also be used to pack appropriate wounds.
Secure with a suitable secondary dressing or compression system that maintains a moist wound environment. For highly exuding wounds, an absorbent secondary dressing should be used.
Dressing change frequency:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 may remain in place for up to 7 days.
Actual dressing-change frequency should depend on:
- Amount of wound exudate
- Condition of the wound
- Infection status
- Condition of the surrounding skin
- Clinical assessment
The dressing should be kept moist, but not excessively wet as this may lead to maceration.
If the dressing dries or adheres to the wound, moisten or soak it before removal to minimise disruption of the healing tissue.
When used under compression, the complete dressing system should be checked regularly and changed if strike-through occurs.
Use with NPWT:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 may be used as a wound contact layer in combination with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).
When used with NPWT, Smith+Nephew specifies a maximum use period of 3 days, rather than the normal maximum 7-day wear time.
Available sizes:
-
5cm × 5cm – pack of 5
PIP Code: 351-0823
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY297
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800395 -
10cm × 12.5cm – pack of 5
PIP Code: 351-0831
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY298
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800397 -
15cm × 15cm – pack of 5
PIP Code: 351-0849
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY299
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800420 -
2.5cm × 60cm roll – pack of 5
PIP Code: 364-7773
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY370
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800545
Smith+Nephew's UK ordering guide additionally lists:
-
20cm × 40cm – pack of 6
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY300
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800400 -
40cm × 40cm – pack of 6
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY340
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800401
No PIP codes are listed by Smith+Nephew for the 20cm × 40cm or 40cm × 40cm presentations.
The 5cm × 5cm, 10cm × 12.5cm and 15cm × 15cm presentations remain listed in the NHS Drug Tariff as silver-coated barrier dressings, while the 2.5cm × 60cm presentation is listed separately as a cavity dressing.
Important information:
Do not use ACTICOAT FLEX 7 in people with a known sensitivity to silver.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is for external use only and should not be applied to exposed internal organs.
Do not use saline to clean, activate or moisten the dressing.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is not compatible with oil-based products such as petrolatum and may not be compatible with other topical antimicrobial products.
Avoid contact with electrodes or conductive gels during electronic measurements such as ECG or EEG.
The dressing should be removed from the anatomical area being examined during MRI scanning and removed before radiation therapy; a new dressing may be applied following treatment where continued antimicrobial dressing treatment is required.
Transient discomfort or pain may occasionally occur when the dressing is applied. If persistent pain occurs, remove the dressing and seek appropriate clinical advice.
Use in premature infants under 37 weeks' gestation only when the expected clinical benefit outweighs the potential risk, as clinical data in this group are limited.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is a single-use sterile dressing. Once the packaging has been opened, the sterile barrier is compromised and unused dressing should not be retained for later use.
Product type: Nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial barrier wound contact dressing
Antimicrobial: Nanocrystalline silver
Dressing material: Flexible polyester fabric with nanocrystalline silver coating
Wound type: Partial- and full-thickness wounds
Suitable for infected wounds: Yes, as part of an appropriate infection-management protocol
Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days
Use with NPWT: Yes – maximum 3 days when used as a wound contact layer with NPWT
Use under compression: Yes, where clinically appropriate
Secondary dressing required: Yes
Can be cut to size: Yes
Sterility: Sterile
Single use: Yes
Manufacturer: Smith+Nephew
Always follow the instructions supplied with the dressing and the wound-care advice provided by your doctor, nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is a sterile, highly flexible antimicrobial wound contact dressing containing nanocrystalline silver, designed for partial- and full-thickness wounds where antimicrobial protection is required. Its soft, conformable knitted polyester construction maintains close contact with the wound surface while allowing wound exudate to pass through into an appropriate secondary dressing.
The nanocrystalline silver provides rapid broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and sustained antimicrobial action for up to 7 days. Smith+Nephew reports bactericidal activity in as little as 30 minutes in vitro.
Key features:
- Contains nanocrystalline silver
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Bactericidal activity demonstrated in as little as 30 minutes in vitro
- Sustained antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days
- Soft and highly flexible
- Conforms closely to body contours and awkward anatomical areas
- Stretchable construction helps accommodate patient movement
- Low-adherent wound contact layer
- Open structure allows exudate to pass through to a secondary dressing
- Helps maintain a moist wound environment when used with an appropriate secondary dressing
- Suitable for partial- and full-thickness wounds
- May be used on infected wounds as part of an appropriate infection-management protocol
- Can be cut to the required shape
- Can be used to pack appropriate wounds
- Compatible with compression therapy when used according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Can be used as a wound contact layer with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for up to 3 days
- Sterile
- Single use
Suitable for:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is indicated as an antimicrobial barrier dressing for partial- and full-thickness wounds, including:
- Burns
- Surgical sites
- Pressure ulcers
- Venous ulcers
- Diabetic ulcers
- Infected wounds where antimicrobial management is clinically appropriate
Where ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is used on an infected wound, the infection should be assessed and managed according to the appropriate clinical protocol.
Composition:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 consists of a flexible polyester fabric coated with nanocrystalline silver.
Unlike ACTICOAT 7, FLEX 7 does not contain internal absorbent rayon/polyester layers. Its open, flexible structure allows wound fluid to move through the dressing into an absorbent secondary dressing while maintaining close contact between the silver-coated surface and the wound.
How to use:
Clean the wound according to the recommended wound-care protocol.
Do not use saline with ACTICOAT FLEX 7.
Remove the dressing from its sterile packaging using a clean technique and cut it to the required shape if necessary.
Moisten the dressing according to the local clinical protocol by fully submerging it in water and gently squeezing it. Allow excess water to drain before application.
Alternatively, a thin layer of an appropriate hydrogel, such as INTRASITE Gel, may be applied to the wound and/or dressing when clinically appropriate.
Apply ACTICOAT FLEX 7 without stretching it, ensuring that it lies flat against the wound without creases. The dressing can be applied either way up.
When applying to a limb, position the direction of stretch along the limb to allow movement.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 may also be used to pack appropriate wounds.
Secure with a suitable secondary dressing or compression system that maintains a moist wound environment. For highly exuding wounds, an absorbent secondary dressing should be used.
Dressing change frequency:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 may remain in place for up to 7 days.
Actual dressing-change frequency should depend on:
- Amount of wound exudate
- Condition of the wound
- Infection status
- Condition of the surrounding skin
- Clinical assessment
The dressing should be kept moist, but not excessively wet as this may lead to maceration.
If the dressing dries or adheres to the wound, moisten or soak it before removal to minimise disruption of the healing tissue.
When used under compression, the complete dressing system should be checked regularly and changed if strike-through occurs.
Use with NPWT:
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 may be used as a wound contact layer in combination with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).
When used with NPWT, Smith+Nephew specifies a maximum use period of 3 days, rather than the normal maximum 7-day wear time.
Available sizes:
-
5cm × 5cm – pack of 5
PIP Code: 351-0823
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY297
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800395 -
10cm × 12.5cm – pack of 5
PIP Code: 351-0831
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY298
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800397 -
15cm × 15cm – pack of 5
PIP Code: 351-0849
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY299
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800420 -
2.5cm × 60cm roll – pack of 5
PIP Code: 364-7773
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY370
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800545
Smith+Nephew's UK ordering guide additionally lists:
-
20cm × 40cm – pack of 6
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY300
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800400 -
40cm × 40cm – pack of 6
NHS Supply Chain Code: ELY340
Smith+Nephew Code: 66800401
No PIP codes are listed by Smith+Nephew for the 20cm × 40cm or 40cm × 40cm presentations.
The 5cm × 5cm, 10cm × 12.5cm and 15cm × 15cm presentations remain listed in the NHS Drug Tariff as silver-coated barrier dressings, while the 2.5cm × 60cm presentation is listed separately as a cavity dressing.
Important information:
Do not use ACTICOAT FLEX 7 in people with a known sensitivity to silver.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is for external use only and should not be applied to exposed internal organs.
Do not use saline to clean, activate or moisten the dressing.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is not compatible with oil-based products such as petrolatum and may not be compatible with other topical antimicrobial products.
Avoid contact with electrodes or conductive gels during electronic measurements such as ECG or EEG.
The dressing should be removed from the anatomical area being examined during MRI scanning and removed before radiation therapy; a new dressing may be applied following treatment where continued antimicrobial dressing treatment is required.
Transient discomfort or pain may occasionally occur when the dressing is applied. If persistent pain occurs, remove the dressing and seek appropriate clinical advice.
Use in premature infants under 37 weeks' gestation only when the expected clinical benefit outweighs the potential risk, as clinical data in this group are limited.
ACTICOAT FLEX 7 is a single-use sterile dressing. Once the packaging has been opened, the sterile barrier is compromised and unused dressing should not be retained for later use.
Product type: Nanocrystalline silver antimicrobial barrier wound contact dressing
Antimicrobial: Nanocrystalline silver
Dressing material: Flexible polyester fabric with nanocrystalline silver coating
Wound type: Partial- and full-thickness wounds
Suitable for infected wounds: Yes, as part of an appropriate infection-management protocol
Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days
Use with NPWT: Yes – maximum 3 days when used as a wound contact layer with NPWT
Use under compression: Yes, where clinically appropriate
Secondary dressing required: Yes
Can be cut to size: Yes
Sterility: Sterile
Single use: Yes
Manufacturer: Smith+Nephew
Always follow the instructions supplied with the dressing and the wound-care advice provided by your doctor, nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
