Evaluation of Fluid Management Properties of Adhesive Border Foam Dressings Utilizing a Novel In Vitro Test Method

Foam dressings are frequently designed to have maximum fluid handling capacity, scientifically measured as bulk absorption or free swell absorptive capacity. To do so, the dressing is submerged in fluid and calculated for total amount absorbed. While this testing is beneficial toward measuring overall performance of the dressing in vitro, it does not consider local saturation. Many wound dressings become locally saturated at the point of contact with fluid, not utilizing the entire dressing. Dressings can become saturated prior to meeting the dressing’s free swell capacity, thus resulting in increased frequency of dressing changes.

A novel test method, termed “clinically relevant capacity” (CRC), was utilized to measure the capacity of a dressing to absorb and move moisture across the dressing. CRC testing consisted of delivering simulated wound fluid (SWF) at a constant rate of 6 mL/hr through a localized source. The edge of the dressing’s wound contact side was positioned over the top of the wound bed. The amount of SWF delivered was recorded at the first sign of strikethrough, visible SWF saturation on the back of the dressing, and if/when leaking or strike back occurred. An ideal dressing should move fluid up and away from the delivery source, as well as across the foam.

Performance analysis of a new moisture management border foam dressing (study dressing) was conducted alongside three other border foam dressings on the market for both free swell and CRC. On average, the study dressing demonstrated more effective moisture management capabilities for the CRC testing when compared to the other bordered foam dressings tested. However, the free swell absorption data showed to be similar for all dressings tested. These two methods of testing showed the differences within each foam dressing’s effectiveness for absorption, which calls for a rethinking on how foam dressing’s clinical capacities compare.