Question 1

How is Altrazeal® supplied?

Accepted Answer

Altrazeal® is supplied as a sterile, white powder in a single-use, sterile blister pack. Each blister contains 0.75 grams of powder and will cover approximately a 10 cm x 10 cm area. Altrazeal® blisters are sold in boxes, each containing five blisters. To order Altrazeal please contact us by clicking here.

Question 2

Why is Altrazeal® a powder? I have never used or heard of a powder dressing before?

Accepted Answer

Altrazeal® is composed of powder particles that are the result of rigorous research and development where the product has been engineered to provide transformational wound-healing benefits. This precise scale and proportion is designed to provide optimal oxygen and moisture vapor transpiration, as well as to create a flexible matrix that fits and seals the wound bed to create a barrier to exogenous microorganisms.

Question 3

What should I do if a uniform moist wound dressing has not formed after the first few minutes after application of Altrazeal® powder?

Accepted Answer

Gently mist or drip sterile normal saline or equivalent over the surface of the Altrazeal® powder. Mist the saline solution at about 6 inches from the surface or drip saline near the wound edge and allow droplets to settle into the powder.
 
For complete application instructions, please review the instructions provided in your Altrazeal® box.

Question 4

How much exudate can the dressing absorb?

Accepted Answer

Altrazeal® absorbs ~68% water of its hydrated mass.

Question 5

Can Altrazeal® be used on an infected wound?

Accepted Answer

Altrazeal® is most effective when used on mild to moderately exuding, non-infected wounds. Altrazeal® can be used on wounds with infection only under medical supervision with appropriate therapy and frequent monitoring. While Altrazeal® provides no antimicrobial activity to prevent infection, Altrazeal® does provide a protective barrier that prevents entry of microorganisms. Best practices for the preparation of infected wounds, including debridement, should be performed before Altrazeal® is applied. Health care professionals should always follow their institution’s protocols.

Question 6

How is Altrazeal® removed?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly saturate the dressing with sterile normal saline or equivalent until softened and remove with forceps or a similar instrument.

Question 7

Does new tissue “tear-off” with the removal of Altrazeal®?

Accepted Answer

Altrazeal® is non-resorbable and does not contain any secondary or peripheral adhesives. To remove the dressing, simply saturate the dressing with saline and remove with a pair of forceps.

Question 8

Is a secondary dressing required over Altrazeal®? What is the best secondary dressing to be used over Altrazeal® when deemed necessary?

Accepted Answer

Altrazeal does not require a secondary dressing unless determined to be necessary. Petroleum-based dressings and occlusive or surface contact adhesives should be avoided.  Dressings with a moisture-vapour transmission rate of less than 800g/m2/24h may alter the function of Altrazeal®. Altrazeal® must be able to transport collected fluids from the wound bed to the dressing surface. A low-MVTR dressing might result in accumulation of moisture and possibly maceration of the surrounding skin fringes. The secondary dressing should not accelerate the moisture transpiration rate but only act as a sponge for excess exudate, so avoid super absorbent polymers (SAPs).

Question 9

What is the best way to dress donor site wounds?

Accepted Answer

If a patient has normal coagulation, a film dressing with high MVTR and no absorbing pad is an appropriate secondary dressing. If the patient is on anticoagulants, use a film dressing with pad.

Question 10

Can Altrazeal® be applied with an oil-based product present?

Accepted Answer

No. Oil-based products, particularly ointments and salves, will prevent optimal hydration and aggregation at the wound surface.

Question 11

What are the best wounds for Altrazeal® to be used on?

Accepted Answer

Clean, surgical, acute or chronic wounds with mild to moderate exudation. Altrazeal® is contraindicated in wounds with no exudate.

Question 12

Can patients shower while Altrazeal® dressing is in place?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but patients should be advised to take special care to avoid soaking the dressing. Patients should not allow the dressing to be immersed underwater for any amount of time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For any questions not addressed below please contact us by clicking here

How is Altrazeal® supplied?

Why is Altrazeal® a powder? I have never used or heard of a powder dressing before?

What should I do if a uniform moist wound dressing has not formed after the first few minutes after application of Altrazeal® powder?

How much exudate can the dressing absorb?

Can Altrazeal® be used on an infected wound?

How is Altrazeal® removed?

Does new tissue “tear-off” with the removal of Altrazeal®?

Is a secondary dressing required over Altrazeal®? What is the best secondary dressing to be used over Altrazeal® when deemed necessary?

What is the best way to dress donor site wounds?

Can Altrazeal® be applied with an oil-based product present?

What are the best wounds for Altrazeal® to be used on?

Can patients shower while Altrazeal® dressing is in place?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​For any questions not addressed below please contact us by clicking here

How is Altrazeal® supplied?

Why is Altrazeal® a powder? I have never used or heard of a powder dressing before?

What should I do if a uniform moist wound dressing has not formed after the first few minutes after application of Altrazeal® powder?

How much exudate can the dressing absorb?

Can Altrazeal® be used on an infected wound?

How is Altrazeal® removed?

Does new tissue “tear-off” with the removal of Altrazeal®?

Is a secondary dressing required over Altrazeal®? What is the best secondary dressing to be used over Altrazeal® when deemed necessary?

What is the best way to dress donor site wounds?

Can Altrazeal® be applied with an oil-based product present?

What are the best wounds for Altrazeal® to be used on?

Can patients shower while Altrazeal® dressing is in place?

For any questions not addressed below please contact us by clicking here