Cutimed Sorbact Contact Swab

Cutimed Sorbact Contact is a sterile, non-absorbent wound contact layer that physically binds bacteria and fungi using Sorbact Technology.

The dressing is coated with DACC™ (dialkylcarbamoyl chloride), which gives the surface strong hydrophobic properties. Hydrophobic microorganisms bind to the dressing when they come into direct contact with it and are removed from the wound when the dressing is changed.

Unlike silver, iodine, PHMB or antibiotic dressings, Cutimed Sorbact does not release an antimicrobial active substance into the wound.

Key features:

• DACC-coated bacteria- and fungi-binding wound contact layer
• Uses Sorbact Technology
• Physically binds bacteria and fungi
• Also binds bacterial endotoxins
• Helps reduce wound bioburden
• Does not release antimicrobial substances
• Contains no:
  • Silver
  • Iodine
  • PHMB
  • Antibiotics
• Development of bacterial or fungal resistance to the physical binding mechanism is not expected
• Suitable for clean, contaminated, colonised and infected wounds
• Suitable for superficial and deep wounds
• Suitable across a wide range of exudate levels when combined with an appropriate secondary dressing
• Can be used as a wound liner or wound filler
• Can be cut to shape
• Can be used with NPWT
• Can remain in place for up to 7 days
• Sterile
• Single use
• Medical device.

How Sorbact Technology works

The wound-contact material is coated with DACC – dialkylcarbamoyl chloride.

This creates a highly hydrophobic surface. Many wound-associated microorganisms also have hydrophobic surfaces.

When the dressing comes into direct contact with the wound:

1. Bacteria and fungi bind to the DACC-coated surface.
2. Bound microorganisms remain attached to the dressing.
3. Their growth is inhibited while attached.
4. Bacteria, fungi and bound endotoxins are removed when the dressing is changed.

No antimicrobial substance needs to be released into the wound for this mechanism to work.

Antimicrobial resistance

Because Sorbact works through physical hydrophobic binding rather than a pharmacological antimicrobial agent, Essity states that development of bacterial or fungal resistance to the dressing's mode of action is not expected.

In-vitro testing also demonstrates activity against important resistant wound pathogens, including organisms such as MRSA and VRE.

Suitable wound types

Cutimed Sorbact Contact is intended for clean, contaminated, colonised or infected exuding wounds including:

• Surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
• Pressure ulcers / pressure injuries
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Leg ulcers
• Superficial wounds
• Deep wounds

It can be used where there is:

• Risk of wound infection
• Increased bacterial burden
• Colonisation
• Local wound infection

provided the wound is appropriately assessed and managed.

Exudate management

Cutimed Sorbact Contact itself is non-absorbent.

Wound exudate passes through the open dressing material into an appropriate secondary dressing.

The secondary dressing should therefore be selected according to the amount of wound fluid, for example:

• Foam dressing
• Absorbent pad
• Gelling fibre dressing
• Superabsorbent dressing

This means Cutimed Sorbact Contact can be used over wounds with exudate ranging from low to excessive, provided the secondary dressing has sufficient absorbency.

How to use

1. Prepare and cleanse the wound and surrounding skin according to clinical practice.
2. Select an appropriately sized dressing.
3. Remove the dressing from the sterile pouch using aseptic technique.
4. Unfold the dressing where necessary.
5. If required, cut it to size using aseptic technique.
6. Do not tear the dressing.
7. Place the dressing directly onto the wound.
8. Ensure the green DACC-coated material makes direct contact with the complete wound surface.
9. Cover with an appropriate secondary dressing.
10. Secure as required.

Can it be cut?

Yes.

Cutimed Sorbact Contact can be cut into the required size or shape.

However:

• Use aseptic technique
• Do not tear the dressing
• Discard unused cut pieces rather than saving them for another dressing change.

Deep wounds and cavities

Cutimed Sorbact Contact can also be used in appropriate deep wounds.

For deeper wounds:

• Unfold and fluff the dressing
• Place one or more dressings into the wound as required
• Ensure direct contact with the wound surface
• Do not pack densely
• Ensure dressing material can be completely retrieved at the next dressing change

The dressing may also be used as a wound liner.

Use with NPWT

Cutimed Sorbact Contact is suitable for use in conjunction with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) as a wound-contact liner or filler where clinically appropriate.

Dressing changes

Dressing-change frequency depends on:

• Wound condition
• Exudate level
• Infection status
• Condition of the surrounding skin
• Secondary dressing capacity

Where the clinical condition allows, Cutimed Sorbact Contact may remain in place for up to:

7 days.

Change sooner if:

• The secondary dressing becomes saturated
• Leakage occurs
• The wound requires reassessment
• The dressing becomes displaced
• Infection deteriorates

Removal

Remove the dressing gently.

If Cutimed Sorbact Contact has adhered to the wound, the manufacturer recommends moistening the dressing before removal to reduce disruption of healing tissue.

Infection

Cutimed Sorbact Contact can be used in the management of infected wounds, but it does not replace appropriate treatment of serious or spreading infection.

Clinical assessment is required if there is:

• Increasing redness
• Swelling
• Heat
• Increasing pain
• Purulent discharge
• Cellulitis
• Fever
• Rapid wound deterioration
• Signs of systemic infection

Antibiotic or other systemic treatment may still be necessary.

Contraindications and tolerability

Essity states that Sorbact Technology has no known contraindications and a low risk of allergy. Unlike antimicrobial products that release silver, iodine or PHMB, there are no pharmacologically active antimicrobial substances released into the wound.

As with any medical device, discontinue use and seek appropriate advice if an unexpected local reaction occurs.

Current UK sizes – small contact/swab products

Cutimed Sorbact Contact – 4cm × 6cm

• Folded size: 4cm × 6cm
• Unfolded size: approximately 11cm × 15cm
• Pack size: 5
• Essity product code: 7216433
• PIP code: 232-4325
• NHS Supply Chain code: ELY212
• BNF/dm+d code: 20040200643

A larger institutional pack of 40 is also available:

• Product code: 7216432
• NHS Supply Chain: ELZ1203
• Pack: 40.

Cutimed Sorbact Contact – 7cm × 9cm

• Folded size: 7cm × 9cm
• Unfolded size: approximately 17cm × 28cm
• Pack size: 5
• Essity product code: 7216563
• PIP code: 232-4333
• NHS Supply Chain code: ELY213
• BNF/dm+d code: 20040200644

A larger institutional pack of 40 is also available:

• Product code: 7216562
• NHS Supply Chain: ELZ1197
• Pack: 40.

Current Cutimed Sorbact Swab

Essity's current UK website separately lists:

Cutimed Sorbact Swab – 10cm × 100cm

• Size: 10cm × 100cm
• Pack size: 10
• Essity product code: 7269310
• NHS Supply Chain code: ELZ85038

This is the product Essity now specifically labels “Cutimed Sorbact Swab” on its current UK website.

Product type: Bacteria- and fungi-binding wound contact layer
Technology: Sorbact Technology
Coating: DACC – Dialkylcarbamoyl Chloride
Absorbent: No
Releases antimicrobial agent: No
Contains silver: No
Contains iodine: No
Contains PHMB: No
Suitable for infected wounds: Yes, as part of appropriate wound management
Wound depth: Superficial and deep
Can be cut: Yes
Secondary dressing required: Yes
NPWT compatible: Yes
Maximum wear time: Up to 7 days
Sterile: Yes
Single use: Yes
Manufacturer: Essity UK Ltd

For your website, if you currently sell 4 × 6 cm and/or 7 × 9 cm, I would definitely rename the product to “Cutimed Sorbact Contact (formerly Sorbact Swab)”. The NHS Drug Tariff itself already describes Cutimed Sorbact Contact as “formerly Cutimed Sorbact Swab”, so this title is both current and useful for customers searching by the old name.