Medical packing strips are an important part of wound care. This article explores the uses and applications of packing strips for wound care, the types of wound packing materials available and cautions to consider when engaging in this type of procedure.
What Are Medical Packing Strips?
Packing strips for wound care are long, slender, continuous pieces of a fine-mesh, gauzy material intended to fill wounds that extend into the dermal layer, also known as cavity wounds.
Why Use Wound Packing Strips?
Cavity wounds and wounds with a sinus, tunnel or undermining with an unknown endpoint require medical packing. There are several purposes behind packing a wound. The primary goal is to loosely fill empty space, but packing is also crucial in assisting the healing process. Properly applied medical packing strips can prevent premature wound closure and the formation of abscesses by promoting granulation tissue growth in the wound bed.
When Are Medical Strips Contraindicated?
- Do not use wound packing materials for fistula management, which should be referred to the attending physician or nurse practitioner.
- Do not use packing strips for wound care if the undermining, sinus tracts or tunnels of a wound are deeper or more extensive than the reach of a 15-centimeter (6-inch) cotton-tipped applicator or probe. If the tunnel or undermining extends beyond this depth or you are unable to determine the depth of the cavity wound, medical packing is not recommended.
Types of Wound Packing Strips
As a versatile part of traditional wound care, packing strips are available in many forms. A secondary dressing or wound cover should always be part of the medical packing procedure.
- Plain Packing Strips – Sterile packing strips without impregnation are generally made from fine-mesh, cotton gauze and are compatible with wet-to-dry wound packing. Plain packing strips are available in various pre-cut sizes.
- Lodoform Packing Strips – Iodoform is an antimicrobial compound that is effective against common infectives like pseudomonas and E. coli. Iodoform-impregnated wound packing strips can support debridement and overall healing.
- More Medical Packing Strip Options – In addition to iodoform and plain packing strips, wound packing gauze is available infused with other antiseptic compounds, like polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), silver and alginate to help manage exudate and maintain a moist environment.
Cautions for Using Any Wound Packing Material
Best medical packing practices call for extreme caution when removing or changing a dressing. Leaving a piece of wound packing material behind can cause infection and seriously impede the healing process. Therefore, use only one continuous packing strip to fill the space whenever possible. If multiple wound packing strips are necessary to fill a cavity of more than 1 centimeter deep, carefully count and document the strips as they are inserted, then verify the number of strips as they are removed.
Resources:
https://www.clwk.ca/buddydrive/file/procedure-wound-packing/
https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB13813
https://www.woundsinternational.com/uploads/resources/content_11730.pdf
cerebrozen reviews says
I really enjoyed what you have accomplished here. The outline is elegant, your written content is stylish, yet you seem to have acquired a bit of apprehension over what you aim to convey next. Undoubtedly, I will revisit more frequently, just as I have been doing nearly all the time in case you sustain this upswing.
cerebrozen reviews says
I genuinely enjoyed the work you’ve put in here. The outline is refined, your written content stylish, yet you appear to have obtained some apprehension regarding what you wish to deliver thereafter. Assuredly, I will return more frequently, akin to I have almost constantly, provided you maintain this climb.
Glycogen Review says
You’re welcome! Thank you for your understanding. If you have any specific questions, topics, or areas of interest you’d like to explore, feel free to share them. Whether it’s about technology trends, scientific discoveries, literary analysis, or any other subject, I’m here to provide information and assistance. Just let me know how I can assist you further, and I’ll be happy to help!
qweqtttt says
Wonderful web site Lots of useful info here Im sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious And obviously thanks to your effort
qweqtttt says
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here The sketch is tasteful your authored subject matter stylish nonetheless you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike
Instaflex Joint Review says
“Hello there!
biolean reviews says
What i dont understood is in reality how youre now not really a lot more smartlyfavored than you might be now Youre very intelligent You understand therefore significantly in terms of this topic produced me personally believe it from a lot of numerous angles Its like women and men are not interested except it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga Your own stuffs outstanding Always care for it up.
biolean reviews says
My brother recommended I might like this web site He was totally right This post actually made my day You cannt imagine just how much time I had spent for this information Thanks.
Proton Keto Gummies reviews says
“Hello there! I recently noticed that you’ve taken the time to visit my website, and I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for your interest. Your support means a lot to me. In return, I would like to extend my support by visiting your website as well.
NeuroTest reviews says
“Hello there! I recently noticed that you’ve taken the time to visit my website, and I wanted to express my gratitude by returning the favor. As I’m constantly seeking ways to improve my site, I believe it would be beneficial to incorporate some of your ideas into my design and content strategy. Your input would be greatly appreciated, and I’m open to any suggestions you may have. Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to hearing from you!”