Canada
Infected Tissue Monitor carefully for any signs of infection
Despite increased awareness of the need to prevent infection, surgical and traumatic wound infections still account for a great deal of patient suffering, additional costs, and increased lengths of stay.
Sources of Infection
Sources of infection are either endogenous, when the patient's own bacterial flora overwhelm the host, or exogenous, when the infecting organism is acquired from a source outside the patient. Cross-infection, or the transfer of the infecting organism from either staff, other patients, or contaminated equipment, is responsible for exogenous or nosocomial infection.
Resistance to Infection
Resistance of the host is the key factor. If resistance is sufficient, colonization, or growth of organisms in the wound, can occur without tissue response. The greater the number of organisms, the more likely an infection is to develop; however, the host's ability to fight off the attack plays a role in whether colonization evolves into an infection.
Some groups of patients are less able to mount a defense against the threat of infection and are at higher risk. The elderly, those who are immunosuppressed, and patients with certain nutritional and metabolic states are at particularly high risk. For example, diabetes, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and anemia will all increase the risk of wound infection.
Monitoring for Infection
Acute wounds, particularly surgical wounds, must be monitored carefully for any signs of infection. If there is undue inflammation, redness, or any purulent drainage, a culture is taken and appropriate antibiotics are begun.
All chronic wounds are considered contaminated, if that many organisms are present. The wound is infected only when true signs and symptoms of infection are present. The 'IFEE' formula is a reminder that infection is indicated by Induration, Fever, Erythema and Edema. An elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) can also indicate that an infection is present.
Cultures should be taken when these signs are present. A typical picture would be an incision or wound that is inflamed, painful and tender, with accompanying fever and leukocytosis.
Prevention is Key
Prevention of infection is a key element in wound care. Good aseptic technique, most especially handwashing, is the basis for infection prevention. For surgical wounds, strict sterile technique is required. For chronic wounds, since contamination is present, a clean, or 'no touch' technique is acceptable.
Our Products
SILVERCEL™ Non-Adherent Dressing
SILVERCEL™ Non-Adherent Dressing consists of an inner layer of silver hydro alginate with a unique non-adherent outer layer to control infection in wounds by sustained release of silver ions and minimising trauma by easy removal at dressing changes.
ACTISORB™ Silver 220 Activated Charcoal Dressing
ACTISORB™ Silver 220 Activated Charcoal Dressing with Silver is a dressing composed of pure activated carbon impregnated with silver. Reduces the bacterial colonisation of the wound and inhibits infection.
INADINE™ Povidone Iodine
Non-Adherent Dressing
INADINE™ dressing is designed to protect the wound, even if infected. INADINE™ dressing is indicated for the management of ulcerative wounds and may also be used for the prevention of infection in minor burns and minor traumatic skin loss injuries.
SILVERCEL™ Antimicrobial Alginate Dressing
SILVERCEL™ Antimicrobial Alginate Dressing is an effective barrier to bacterial penetration and works well against a broad range of microorganisms. The barrier functions of the dressing may help reduce infection in moderate to heavily exuding partial and full thickness wounds.
