FAQ
Questions About BloodSTOP® Hemostatic Matrix Products
Medical Professionals
A: BloodSTOP® materials, when coming in contact with blood, initiate immediate coagulation and achieve hemostasis. They then dissolve into a gel that is completely water soluble, and does not have to be removed, i.e. because it will be washed out by saliva and/or wound exudates over a short period of time. Many of the standard techniques include packing the socket and adapting or not adapting the wound with suture(s), leaving space for drainage. We cannot recommend the creation of a closed contaminated space, as that would increase the risk for abscess formation.
A: The BloodSTOP® family of hemostatic products has undergone extensive laboratory testing to ensure safety and efficacy for intended uses. In markets outside the US, BloodSTOP® iX has a ten-year history of safe and effective clinical use in internal wound care to stop bleeding fast.
Q: What are the similarities between BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX products?
A: Both types are composed of water soluble, etherified carboxymethyl cellulose, and both have demonstrated faster time-to-hemostasis than is possible using traditional wound care methods.
A: BloodSTOP® is for surface wound care and is proven fast-acting, safe and effective to stop bleeding from cuts, abrasions, bites and punctures to the skin surface. BloodSTOP® iX is a finer-grade, purified hemostat that it is 100% water-soluble, biorebsorbable, and passes the more rigorous biocompatibility tests required for use inside the body: hemocompatibility, intracutaneous reactivity, subcutaneous implantation, genotoxicity, and chronic toxicity. It is double-packaged for sterile delivery.
A: Yes.
A: BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX are non-irritating, biocompatible and pH neutral.
A: BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX have a significantly lower cost than other existing products, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Surgicel and Gelfoam products, collagen products, and human or animal thrombin products.
A: In the ten-year history since BloodSTOP® technology was introduced, there have been no reported or observed side effects. In animal tests, BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX have demonstrated effectiveness in hemostasis without causing irritation, heat, inflammation, or redness.
A: When applied to a wound, BloodSTOP® products quickly absorb blood and exudates, transform into a gel to seal the wound with a protective transparent layer, bind and activate platelets, provide support for clot formation, and create an environment for wound healing.
A: BloodSTOP® products come individually packaged in sealed, sterile pouches and have a shelf-life of approximately five years when properly stored.
A: With gamma radiation, in compliance with international standards for medical device sterilization.
A: For both internal and surface wounds, additional layers of the product and pressure can be applied according to the nature and intensity of the hemorrhage to be stopped. For internal applications, pressure should be applied over BloodSTOP® iX with a wet piece of cotton gauze for approximately one minute. See package insert for complete instructions.
A: To remove excess BloodSTOP® material on surface wounds, simply rinse away with sterile water or saline solution, wiping gently if necessary. When used internally, excess material should be flushed with sterile water or saline solution before surgical closure.
Consumers
A: BloodSTOP® can be used on any skin surface cut, scrape, or razor nick, and inside nostrils in the case of nosebleeds.
A: BloodSTOP® is a fraction of the cost of comparable hemostatic products, but with more added value in terms of safe, fast-acting and non-irritating wound care for people of all ages.
A: NO. Over-the-counter BloodSTOP® is available through the LifeScience PLUS website, at certain drugstore retailers, and for volume purchases through distributors worldwide.
A: In the product’s ten-year history, there have been no reported or observed side effects. In animal tests, BloodSTOP® has been demonstrated to stop bleeding in one minute or less, with no irritation, heat, inflammation, or redness.
A: BloodSTOP® products can be used for or by anyone with surface wounds who is bleeding —whether a minor cut or a major injury. It is safe for all ages. It is commonly used in a wide variety of settings—at home and school, at sporting events, and in intervention by first responders. In serious emergency situations, a medical professional should always be consulted.
A: When applied to a wound, BloodSTOP® quickly absorbs blood and other body fluids, transforms into a gel to seal the wound with a protective transparent layer, actively aids in stopping bleeding, and creates an environment for wound healing.
A: It can be left on as long as necessary to stop bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped, BloodSTOP® can be removed from surface wounds by rinsing with sterile water or saline solution and gentle wiping so as not to disturb the wound.
A: Yes, BloodSTOP® is safe and effective in veterinary applications and therefore, on all animal surface wounds. For serious wounds, a veterinary professional should be consulted.
A: We recommend using an additional standard dressing to maintain moist wound environment.
A: Applying pressure will assist in hemostasis. However, it will not always be necessary for small cuts or injuries.
For serious wounds, a medical professional should be consulted.
A: Once the sterile package has been opened, and the contents handled, it renders the material non-sterile and unfit for reuse.