Algisite* M Calcium Alginate Dressing

Algisite M is a calcium-alginate dressing which forms a soft, integral gel when it comes into contact with wound exudate.  Excess wound exudate is absorbed in this process. Algisite M utilises the proven benefits of moist wound healing, which results in faster healing of even difficult wounds.

• Fast gelling, high mannuronic acid fibres
• Low fibre shed construction
• High integrity when wet
• Soft and conformable

Easy to remove
When used in a moderate to highly exuding wound, the dressing forms a soft gel, which does not adhere to the delicate healing tissues in the wound bed. The dressing can be easily lifted out of the wound in one piece, or washed out with saline.

Conforms to wound contours
Algisite M is very soft and conformable, allowing it to be moulded, folded or cut to meet a wide range of wound shapes and sizes. As the fibres gel, an even more intimate contact with the wound is produced and maintained.

Less fibre shed
All fibre based alginates release fibres when handled, however the advanced bonding technique employed in Algisite M greatly reduces this.

Moist wound environment
The production of a gel by the action of exudate on the alginate fibres creates a moist wound environment at the wound surface. This prevents eschar formation and promotes faster healing. The dressing allows wound contraction to occur, which helps to reduce scarring and also allows gaseous exchange necessary for a healthy wound bed.

Highly absorbent
In vitro studies have shown that Algisite M can absorb 10 times its own weight in exudate. This allows the dressing to remain in the wound for up to 7 days, depending on the nature of the wound.

Full and partial thickness wounds, with moderate to heavy exudate which may also be prone to minor bleeding (e.g. pressure sores, leg ulcers, ischaemic and diabetic ulcers, post-operative wounds and fungating carcinomas.)

Ensure the packing in cavities, sinuses etc. has been removed.
The dressing may adhere if used on very lightly exuding wounds. If the dressing is not easily removed, moisten it with saline, then remove.
Do not use on patients with a known allergy to alginates.
Whilst Algisite M assists in the management of wounds prone to minor bleeding, it is not intended to be used as a surgical sponge or to achieve haemostasis in heavily bleeding wounds.
When used on infected wounds, the infection should be inspected and treated in accordance with local clinical protocol.

The following product codes are all available on Drug Tariff: