Aquacel Ag Foam Adhesive & Non Adhesive

AQUACEL Ag Foam is a sterile antimicrobial Hydrofiber foam dressing containing 1.2% ionic silver, designed for the management of exuding acute and chronic wounds that are infected or at increased risk of infection.

The dressing combines an AQUACEL Hydrofiber wound contact layer with ionic silver, an absorbent foam layer and a waterproof breathable outer film. The Hydrofiber layer absorbs wound fluid and bacteria and gels on contact with exudate, helping to maintain a moist wound-healing environment while reducing the risk of lateral spread of fluid and damage to the surrounding skin.

The Adhesive version also incorporates a skin-friendly silicone adhesive border for secure fixation, while the Non-Adhesive version is designed for use where an adhesive border is not required and should be secured with an appropriate fixation method.

Key features:

• Antimicrobial Hydrofiber foam dressing
• Contains 1.2% ionic silver
• Provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
• Helps kill bacteria, yeasts and moulds within the dressing
• Sustained antimicrobial activity for up to 7 days
• Hydrofiber Technology absorbs and retains wound fluid and bacteria
• Forms a soft gel on contact with wound exudate
• Helps maintain a moist wound-healing environment
• Helps reduce lateral spread of exudate
• Helps protect the surrounding skin from maceration
• Soft polyurethane foam provides additional absorption and cushioning
• Waterproof, breathable outer polyurethane film
• Provides a physical microbial, viral and waterproof barrier
• Suitable for exuding acute and chronic wounds
• Can be used under compression therapy
• Can be cut to shape
• Maximum wear time of up to 7 days, when clinically appropriate
• Sterile
• Single use

Adhesive version:

• Includes a skin-friendly silicone adhesive border
• Helps keep the dressing securely in place
• Suitable where an integrated adhesive fixation is preferred
• Specially shaped heel and sacral versions are available

Non-Adhesive version:

• No adhesive border
• Suitable where the surrounding skin is fragile or an adhesive border is not desirable
• Requires an appropriate fixation bandage, tape or other retention method
• Particularly useful under compression or where alternative fixation is preferred

Suitable for:

AQUACEL Ag Foam is indicated for exuding wounds showing signs of infection or at increased risk of infection, including:

• Leg ulcers
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Leg ulcers of mixed aetiology
• Arterial ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Surgical wounds
• Partial-thickness burns
• Traumatic wounds

The dressing should be used as part of an appropriate wound-management plan and under the direction of a healthcare professional.

Composition:

AQUACEL Ag Foam consists of:

• Waterproof, breathable polyurethane outer film
• Absorbent polyurethane foam layer
• AQUACEL Hydrofiber wound contact layer
• Sodium carboxymethylcellulose containing 1.2% ionic silver
• Adhesive melt layer

The Adhesive version additionally has a silicone adhesive border.

The Hydrofiber wound-contact layer absorbs wound exudate and transforms into a soft gel, helping the dressing conform closely to the wound bed while retaining fluid and microorganisms within the dressing.

How to use:

Cleanse the wound using an appropriate wound cleanser and dry the surrounding skin.

Select a dressing size so that the central absorbent pad extends approximately 1cm beyond the wound area.

Remove the dressing from the sterile packaging, avoiding unnecessary contact with the wound-contact surface.

For AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive:

• Remove the release liner
• Centre the absorbent pad over the wound
• Apply without stretching the dressing
• Gently smooth the silicone adhesive border onto the surrounding skin

For AQUACEL Ag Foam Non-Adhesive:

• Place the absorbent pad directly over the wound
• Secure with an appropriate retention bandage, tape or other fixation method

The dressing can be cut to shape if required. If an Adhesive dressing is cut, additional fixation tape may be necessary.

For difficult anatomical areas, specially shaped heel or sacral adhesive dressings may be used.

Discard any unused portion once the sterile package has been opened.

Dressing change frequency:

AQUACEL Ag Foam may remain in place for up to 7 days, provided the clinical condition of the wound allows.

Change the dressing earlier if clinically indicated, for example if there is:

• Leakage
• Bleeding
• Increased pain
• Excessive exudate
• Deterioration of the wound
• Deterioration of the surrounding skin
• Other signs that the dressing requires replacement

The continued requirement for AQUACEL Ag Foam should be reassessed after 14 days, and alternative wound management considered where appropriate.

AQUACEL Ag Foam Adhesive – available UK sizes:

• 8cm × 8cm – box of 10
  PIP Code: 382-4810
  NHS Code: ELY476
  ConvaTec Code: 420805
• 10cm × 10cm – box of 10
  PIP Code: 382-4828
  NHS Code: ELY477
  ConvaTec Code: 420681
• 12.5cm × 12.5cm – box of 10
  PIP Code: 382-4851
  NHS Code: ELY478
  ConvaTec Code: 420627
• 17.5cm × 17.5cm – box of 10
  PIP Code: 382-4869
  NHS Code: ELY479
  ConvaTec Code: 420628
• 21cm × 21cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4877
  NHS Code: ELY480
  ConvaTec Code: 420629
• 25cm × 30cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4802
  NHS Code: ELY481
  ConvaTec Code: 420807
• Heel 19.8cm × 14cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4844
  NHS Code: ELY482
  ConvaTec Code: 420647
• Sacral 20cm × 16.9cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4836
  NHS Code: ELY483
  ConvaTec Code: 420648

AQUACEL Ag Foam Non-Adhesive – available UK sizes:

• 5cm × 5cm – box of 10
  PIP Code: 382-4919
  NHS Code: ELY484
  ConvaTec Code: 420639
• 10cm × 10cm – box of 10
  PIP Code: 382-4901
  NHS Code: ELY485
  ConvaTec Code: 420642
• 15cm × 15cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4893
  NHS Code: ELY486
  ConvaTec Code: 420645
• 20cm × 20cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4885
  NHS Code: ELY487
  ConvaTec Code: 420646
• 15cm × 20cm – box of 5
  PIP Code: 382-4794
  NHS Code: ELY488
  ConvaTec Code: 420806

These presentations are listed in ConvaTec's current UK ordering information.

Important information:

Do not use AQUACEL Ag Foam in anyone with a known sensitivity or previous allergic reaction to the dressing or any of its components.

Do not use with oxidising agents such as hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorite solutions, as these may adversely affect the dressing.

AQUACEL Ag Foam is also not compatible with oil-based products.

The dressing is water resistant but should not be submerged during bathing or swimming.

Do not combine with other wound-care products without first seeking appropriate healthcare-professional advice.

There are limited clinical data regarding prolonged or repeated use of silver-containing dressings, particularly in children and neonates.

Prolonged use of silver-containing products may occasionally cause temporary skin discolouration.

Seek healthcare-professional advice if there is:

• Increasing redness or inflammation
• Maceration
• Hypergranulation
• Increasing pain
• Bleeding
• Increasing wound exudate
• Increasing warmth or redness around the wound
• Changes in wound colour or odour
• Other evidence of worsening infection

AQUACEL Ag Foam dressings are MRI safe.

Do not reuse. Reuse may increase the risk of infection, cross-contamination and delayed healing.

Do not use if the sterile pouch is damaged or already open.

Storage:

Store at 10°C–25°C.

Keep dry and protect from light.

Product type: Antimicrobial Hydrofiber foam dressing

Antimicrobial: 1.2% ionic silver

Wound contact layer: Sodium carboxymethylcellulose Hydrofiber with ionic silver

Absorbent layer: Polyurethane foam

Outer layer: Waterproof breathable polyurethane film

Adhesive version: Silicone adhesive border

Non-Adhesive version: Requires additional fixation

Wound type: Exuding acute and chronic wounds

Suitable for infected / at-risk wounds: Yes

Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days

Antimicrobial treatment review: Reassess requirement after 14 days

Use under compression: Yes

Can be cut to shape: Yes

Sterility: Sterile

Single use: Yes

Manufacturer: ConvaTec

Always follow the instructions supplied with the dressing and the wound-care advice provided by your doctor, nurse or other appropriately qualified healthcare professional.