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Use of ultrasound to characterize the fluid-handling characteristics of four foam dressings
S. Young, A. Biebly and J. Milne, Journal of Wound Care, Vol 16, No 10, November 2007
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To observe and measure the process of hydration and dehydration in four commonly used adhesive foam dressings using high frequency ultrasound.
METHOD: High frequency ultrasound (20MHz) with an axial resolution of 60µm was used to image the inside of the wound dressings under investigation and thereby assess their level of hydration. This allowed the uptake of a bolus of fluid into the dressing via absorption and the subsequent loss of fluid via evaporation to be both observed and measured. Four dressings were assessed: ActivHeal Foam Island (10x10 cm), Allevyn Adhesive (10x10 cm), Biatain Adhesive (12x12 cm), and Mepilex Border (10x10 cm).
RESULTS: Part 1 showed that Allevyn hydrated most rapidly followed by ActivHeal, Biatain and Mepilex. Part 2 indicated that Allevyn dehydrated most rapidly followed by Mepilex, ActivHeal, and Biatain.
CONCLUSION: High frequency ultrasound proved to be an effective tool in assessing the fluid handling properties of wound dressings. Of the dressings tested Allevyn demonstrated the best fluid handling properties in terms of how rapidly it could hydrate and dehydrate.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST: The study was funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Smith and Nephew Healthcare.