Wound Packing Strips – uses and applications
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
Buy Coffee blends says
The information in this article was really helpful to me. It is a delight to read because of your extensive research and straightforward explanations. I found the samples you provided to be really useful. Your time and knowledge are much appreciated.
الأنابيب الخرسانية المسلحة says
ABS Pipes in Iraq Elite Pipe Factory in Iraq is a leader in the production of ABS pipes, which are valued for their strength, toughness, and resistance to impact and chemicals. Our ABS pipes are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring reliability and long-lasting performance in various applications. As one of the best and most reliable pipe manufacturers in Iraq, Elite Pipe Factory is committed to delivering products that meet the needs of our customers. For detailed information about our ABS pipes, visit elitepipeiraq.com.
Buy Coffee shop supplies says
This post is fantastic! Your clear and concise explanations make it easy to grasp even the more complex aspects of the topic. The practical examples you provided were very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us.
free website listing says
Thank you for this well-written and informative post. The depth of your analysis is impressive, and your writing style is engaging. I learned a lot from this article and will definitely be referring back to it in the future. Keep up the great work!
Bold coffee flavors says
I found this post to be very informative and well-organized. Your detailed analysis and clear explanations make it a pleasure to read. The practical examples you included were particularly helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
스카이슬롯커뮤니티 says
Loving the vibe
sandscasino korea says
An informative and well-written piece. The principles are easily understood and applied thanks to your thorough explanations and practical examples. Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed information. Your time and knowledge are much appreciated.
Premium coffee beans says
What a great story! I’m so glad you shared it. The data you supplied was both practical and simple to grasp. Your ability to simplify otherwise difficult ideas is much appreciated. Anyone interested in learning more about this subject would benefit greatly from reading this.
sandscasino.co.kr says
This post is fantastic! Your clear and concise explanations make it easy to grasp even the more complex aspects of the topic. The practical examples you provided were very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us.
Espresso capsules says
What a fantastic piece of writing! Your data is both practical and pertinent. Both the thoroughness and lucidity of your analysis are much appreciated. This is a post that I will return to at a later date. Your knowledge and insight are much appreciated.