Provider Prepared’s Weekly Pearl of Wound Wisdom #1 - Dilution is the Solution to Pollution

The first step in all good wound management is proper cleansing and preparation of the wound. A thorough examination of the wound looking for debris and foreign material must be completed. Remove large pieces of debris under direct visualization, taking care not to create more trauma. Avoid getting caught in the quixotic venture of picking out every spec of sand or dirt. Small debris is easily irrigated from the wound.

Traditionally sterile saline is the fluid of choice for wound irrigation. We now have literature that shows no significant difference in cosmesis or infection rate with tap water. Studies have shown that the more important factor improving these is volume; more volume is better.  After irrigation is completed, reevaluate the wound ensuring it is clean from all foreign material. Provider Prepared has you set for irrigation success with pressurized sterile saline in our LACERATION REPAIR KITS. Click the link to get yours today!

Weiss, EA et al. BMJ Open/ 2013 Jan 16:3(1). PMID 23325896

Provider Prepared

Dr. Nate Whittaker, MD