Hydrogels
Action
Hydrogels are water- or glycerin-based amorphous gels, impregnated gauzes, or sheet dressings. Because of their high water content, some can’t absorb large amounts of exudate. Hydrogels help maintain a moist healing environment, promote granulation and epithelialization, and facilitate autolytic debridement.
Indications
Hydrogel dressings may be used as primary dressings (amorphous and impregnated gauzes) or as primary or secondary dressings (sheets). They may also be used to manage partial- and full-thickness wounds, deep wounds (amorphous, impregnated gauzes), wounds with necrosis or slough, minor burns, and tissue damaged by radiation.
Advantages
Are soothing and reduce pain
Rehydrate the wound bed
Facilitate autolytic debridement
Fill in dead space (amorphous, impregnated gauzes)
Provide minimal to moderate absorption
Are applied and removed easily from the wound
Can be used when infection is present
Disadvantages
Are not usually recommended for wounds with heavy exudate
Dehydrate easily if not covered
Some require secondary dressing
Some may be difficult to secure
Some may cause maceration
HCPCS code overview
The HCPCS codes normally assigned to hydrogel wound covers without an adhesive border are:
A6242—pad size < 16 in2
A6243—pad size > 16 in2 but bb48 in2
A6244—pad size > 48 in2
The HCPCS codes normally assigned to hydrogel wound covers with an adhesive border are:
A6245—pad size < 16 in2
A6246—pad size > 16 in2 but bb48 in2
A6247—pad size > 48 in2
The HCPCS code normally assigned to hydrogel wound fillers is:
A6248—gel, per fluid ounce
The HCPCS codes normally assigned to gauze dressings impregnated with hydrogel without an adhesive border are:
A6231—pad size < 16 in2
A6232—pad size > 16 in2 but bb48 in2
A6233—pad size > 48 in2
AmeriDerm Wound Gel Dressing with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera
AmeriDerm Laboratories, Ltd.
Action
AmeriDerm Wound Gel is a greaseless hydrogel dressing used for the maintenance of a moist healing environment.
Indications
For dressing and management of stasis ulcers, pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), first- and second-degree burns, cuts and abrasions, skin irritations, postoperative incisions, and skin conditions associated with peristomal care
Contraindications
Not for use in those with sensitivity to the gel or its components
Application
Flush wound with AmeriDerm Skin Cleanser.
Apply AmeriDerm Wound Gel liberally to cover involved areas. Apply as often as necessary. If gauze is used as a wound covering, moisten first with AmeriDerm Skin Cleanser.
AmeriGel Hydrogel Saturated Gauze Dressing
Amerx Health Care Corp.
Action
AmeriGel Gauze Dressing contains Oakin (an oak extract), meadowsweet extract, zinc acetate, polyethylene glycol 400 and 3350, and water, impregnated into a nonwoven gauze sponge and individually foil wrapped. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial-antifungal (bactericidal) against 51 microbes, including MRSA and VRE. AmeriGel maintains a moist wound environment, assists in debriding, and provides an antimicrobial barrier at the wound site.
Indications
Stages 1 to 4 pressure ulcers, lower-extremity ulcerations of mixed vascular etiologies, diabetic skin ulcers, first- and second-degree burns, postsurgical incisions
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients who are sensitive or allergic to any ingredient
Application
Irrigate wound with Amerigel Wound Wash or with saline wound wash, and blot dry.
Place the AmeriGel gauze pad over the wound so that it covers the wound bed and overlaps onto the periwound skin.
Cover with appropriate secondary dressing.
AmeriGel Wound Dressing
Amerx Health Care Corp.
Action
AmeriGel Wound Dressing contains Oakin (an oak extract), meadowsweet extract, zinc acetate, polyethylene glycol 400 and 3350, and water. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial-antifungal (bactericidal) against 51 microbes, including MRSA and VRE. AmeriGel maintains a moist wound environment, assists in debriding and provides an antimicrobial barrier at the wound site.
Indications
Stages 1 to 4 pressure ulcers, lower-extremity ulcerations of mixed vascular etiologies, diabetic skin ulcers, first- and second-degree burns, postsurgical incisions
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients who are sensitive or allergic to any ingredient
Application
Irrigate wound with Amerigel Wound Wash or saline wound wash, and blot dry.
Apply a thin layer of AmeriGel to the wound bed and overlap onto the periwound skin.
Cover with appropriate secondary dressing.
Aquaflo Hydrogel Wound Dressings
Coviden
Action
Aquaflo Hydrogel Wound Dressings offer superior fluid management and can be used on mildly to moderately exuding wounds. These glycerin-based dressings maintain an optimal moist healing environment by allowing evaporation to occur readily even as the dressings are absorbing exudate.
Indications
To manage partial- to full-thickness wounds, dermal ulcers, diabetic leg ulcers, donor sites, first- and second-degree burns, and incisions
Contraindications
Contraindicated for heavily draining wounds
Application
Clean the wound with normal saline solution or an appropriate wound cleanser.
Cut the dressing to shape, if desired.
Apply the dressing and secure it.
Aquasite Amorphous Hydrogel
Derma Sciences, Inc.
How supplied
Amorphous hydrogel: 1 floz
Action
Aquasite Amorphous Hydrogels are clear, preserved hydrogels used to fill wound space and provide a moist healing environment. These products are capable of absorbing small to moderate amounts of exudate and provide a soothing, cooling, pain-reducing effect. A secondary dressing is required to secure the dressing in place.
Indications
For use on partial- and full-thickness wounds with minimal to moderate drainage
Contraindications
Contraindicated for third-degree burns
Application
Clean the wound with PrimaDerm Dermal Cleanser or saline solution.
Dry the skin adjacent to the wound.
Squeeze the desired amount of Aquasite Amorphous Hydrogel into the wound bed.
Cover with an appropriate secondary dressing.
Aquasite Impregnated Non-Woven Hydrogel
Derma Sciences, Inc.
Action
Aquasite Impregnated Non-Woven Hydrogel, a sterile hydrogel impregnated into a special nonwoven sponge, is used to fill wound space and provide a moist healing environment. It’s capable of absorbing small to moderate amounts of exudate, and it provides a soothing, cooling, pain-reducing effect. A secondary dressing is required to secure the dressing in place.
Indications
For use on partial- and full-thickness wounds with minimal to moderate drainage
Contraindications
Contraindicated for third-degree burns
Application
Clean the wound with PrimaDerm Dermal Cleanser or saline solution. Dry the skin adjacent to the wound.
Place Aquasite Impregnated Non-Woven Hydrogel into the wound bed. Pack deeper wounds loosely to avoid excess pressure on delicate wound tissue.
Cover with an appropriate secondary dressing.
Aquasite Sheet Hydrogel
Derma Sciences, Inc.
Action
Aquasite Sheet Hydrogels are clear sheets of sterile hydrogel used to provide a moist healing environment and absorb small to moderate amounts of exudate. The products provide a soothing, cooling, pain-reducing effect. A secondary dressing is required to secure the dressing in place.
Indications
For use on partial- and full-thickness wounds with minimal to moderate drainage
Contraindications
Contraindicated for third-degree burns
Contraindicated for deep, tunneling wounds
Application
Clean the wound with PrimaDerm Dermal Cleanser or saline solution. Dry the skin adjacent to the wound.
Choose a dressing that extends at least 1CC(2.5 cm) beyond the wound margins.
Position Aquasite Sheet Hydrogel directly on the wound.
Secure with an appropriate secondary dressing.
Aquasorb Hydrogel Wound Dressing
DeRoyal
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How supplied
Sheet: | 2½″ × 2½″; 3¾″ × 3¾″; A6242 3¾″ × 4½″; 3¾″ × 6½″; A6243 7½″ × 7½″; A6244 |
Sheet with border: | 2½″ × 2½″ gel, 5/8″ film or tape border; A6245 3¾″ × 4¼″ gel, 1½″ film or tape border; A6246 |
Action
Aquasorb Hydrogel Wound Dressings are nonadherent, transparent dressings that incorporate a gel matrix with a semipermeable film. They allow for moisture vapor transmission, which provides a moist healing environment and protects against wound dehydration. The products act as a bacterial barrier, absorb drainage from the wound, and provide a cool, pain-relieving cover.
Indications
For use as primary dressings to manage leg ulcers, pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), superficial wounds, lacerations, cuts, abrasions, donor sites, and first- and second-degree burns; also on partial- and full-thickness wounds, infected and noninfected wounds, wounds with moderate to heavy drainage, and red, yellow, or black wounds
Contraindications
Contraindicated for third-degree burns
Application
Clean excess exudate from the wound.
Cut the sheet to the desired size, if necessary.
Remove the release liner, and apply the dressing to the wound.
Secure the dressing, if necessary.
CarraDres Clear Hydrogel Sheet
Medline Industries, Inc.
Action
CarraDres Clear Hydrogel Sheets consist of 89.5% water combined with a crosslinked polyethylene matrix in sterile hydrogel polymer sheets especially formulated for managing partial- and full-thickness wounds. The hydrophilic dressings absorb at least three times their weight in water, serum, and blood. The products have a high specific heat to provide a cooling effect; the sheets may be refrigerated for maximum cooling.
Indications
To dress and manage pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), venous stasis ulcers, first-and second-degree burns, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, radiation dermatitis, diabetic ulcers, foot ulcers, postsurgical incisions, and skin conditions associated with peristomal care. May also be used on partial- and full-thickness wounds, tunneling wounds, infected and noninfected wounds, wounds with moderate exudate, wounds with serosanguineous drainage, and red, yellow, or black wounds
Contraindications
None known
Application
Flush the wound with a suitable cleanser, such as CarraKlenz, UltraKlenz, or MicroKlenz.
Remove dressing’s blue backing, and apply moist side of the dressing to the wound bed.
Cover with a secondary dressing.
Carrasyn Gel Wound Dressing Carrasyn Spray Gel Wound Dressing Carrasyn V
Medline Industries, Inc.
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How supplied
Action
All three products provide the moist environment necessary for healing and autolytic debridement. All three are nonoily hydrogels. Carrasyn V is a thicker, more viscous version of Carrasyn Gel Wound Dressing.
Indications
All three products manage pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), venous stasis ulcers, first- and second-degree burns, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, and skin conditions associated with peristomal care. They may also be used on partial- and fullthickness wounds, tunneling wounds, infected and noninfected wounds, wounds with serosanguineous drainage, and red, yellow, or black wounds. Carrasyn Spray Gel Wound Dressing may be used on wounds with moderate drainage. Carrasyn Gel Wound Dressing and Carrasyn V also manage radiation dermatitis, diabetic ulcers, foot ulcers, postsurgical incisions, and wounds with low exudate
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity to aloe vera extract
Application
Flush the wound with a suitable wound cleanser, such as CarraKlenz, UltraKlenz, or MicroKlenz.
Carrasyn Gel Wound Dressing and Carrasyn V (when a thicker formulation of gel is desired)
Apply a generous amount of gel to the wound area in a layer about ¼″ (0.5 cm) thick.
If using gauze as a secondary dressing, moisten it first.
If using CarraSmart Film Transparent Dressing as the secondary dressing, dry the periwound tissue first. Use a skin barrier wipe on any intact skin under the film.
Carrasyn Spray Gel Wound Dressing
Adjust the nozzle setting on the bottle to either spray or stream.
Apply a generous amount of gel, about ¼″ (0.5 cm) thick, to the wound and wound margins.
Apply spray gel as often as needed, usually daily.
If using gauze as a cover dressing, moisten it first.
Comfort-Aid
Southwest Technologies, Inc.
How supplied
Sheet with adhesive border: | overall size, 3″ × 4″ (7.5 cm × 10 cm); gel size, 1.5″ × 2.5″ |
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Action
Comfort-Aid is designed to provide effective management of a wide variety of wounds and to protect the skin and newly formed tissue. The gel’s high glycerin content facilitates the natural wound-healing process. Glycerin is a main component in every fat molecule and is a natural moisturizing agent. Comfort-Aid provides cool, soothing relief when applied to an open wound. It will not dry out and is bacteriostatic and fungistatic.
Indications
To manage first- and second-degree burns, cuts, abrasions, rashes, radiation skin reactions, surgical incisions, foot and leg ulcers, pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), partial- and full-thickness wounds, wounds with moderate drainage, wounds with serosanguineous drainage, and red, yellow, or black wounds
Contraindications
Contraindicated for highly exuding wounds that may require packing with additional dressing or other highly absorbent material
Application
Clean the wound with normal saline solution or an appropriate wound cleanser.
Remove the sterile gel dressing from the package.
Remove protective cover to expose gel and adhesive.
Apply the dressing to the wound, being sure that the gel fully covers the wound area.
Gently press the adhesive border to assure a watertight seal.
Change dressing as needed (if leaking occurs and/or the dressing becomes highly saturated with exudate).
Consult physician if signs of infection occur (such as redness, swelling or fever).
CURASOL Gel Wound Dressing
Healthpoint Biotherapeutics
Action
CURASOL Gel Wound Dressing is a clear, viscous hydrogel that protects the wound from foreign contaminants and provides a moist healing environment.
Indications
To manage pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, foot ulcers, postoperative wounds, first- and second-degree burns, cuts, abrasions, and minor irritations of the skin
Contraindications
None provided by the manufacturer
Application
Clean the wound with ALLCLENZ Wound Cleanser.
Apply 1/8″ to ¼″ (0.3 to 0.5 cm) of CURASOL Gel onto the wound bed. If using CURASOL Gel Wound Dressing, loosely pack it into the wound.
Cover with a secondary dressing.
DermaGel Hydrogel Sheet
Medline Industries, Inc.
Action
DermaGel Hydrogel Sheet is a bacteriostatic and fungistatic semi-occlusive hydrogel dressing that is soft and flexible and creates a moist healing environment. It won’t liquefy into the wound, and it absorbs about five times its own weight in exudate.
Indications
To manage leg ulcers, pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), superficial wounds, lacerations, cuts, abrasions, donor sites, partial- and full-thickness wounds, infected and noninfected wounds, and wounds with light to moderate drainage
Contraindications
Contraindicated for patients with known hypersensitivity to glycerin
Application
Clean the application site with normal saline solution or an appropriate wound cleanser, such as Skintegrity Wound Cleanser. Dry the surrounding area to ensure that it’s free from greasy substances.
Select the appropriate size dressing for the wound. Be sure it will cover the entire wound area.
Remove the clear plastic cover from the dressing, and apply the pad to the wound. Leave the cloth backing in place.
Tape the edges of the dressing to keep it in place, or use an elastic net to secure it without adhesive.
If waterproofing is desired, cover with a transparent film.
Dermagran Hydrophilic Wound Dressing
Derma Sciences, Inc.
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How supplied
Tube: | 3 oz (amorphous); A6248 |
Sterile impregnated gauze: | 2″ × 2″, 4″ × 4″; A6231 4″ × 8″; A6232 |
Action
Dermagran Hydrophilic Wound Dressing contains a zinc-nutrient formulation and provides a primary cover or filler, absorbs mild exudate, and creates a mildly acidic environment that’s conducive to wound healing.
Indications
To manage skin ulcers (diabetic, venous stasis), pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), surgical incisions, and superficial injuries such as partial-thickness burns, superficial lacerations, cuts, or abrasions
Contraindications
None provided by the manufacturer
Application
Clean the wound.
Choose an appropriate size Dermagran Hydrophilic Wound Dressing.
Place dressing directly into the wound.
Cover with an appropriate dressing, and secure in place.
Dermagran Zinc-Saline Hydrogel
Derma Sciences, Inc.
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Action
Dermagran Zinc-Saline Hydrogel is an amorphous hydrogel that contains zinc-nutrient formulation and balanced pH technology. It provides a primary cover or filler for wound deficiencies that absorbs wound exudate and creates a moist environment for granulation tissue formation.
Indications
To manage pressure ulcers (stages 1 to 4), venous stasis ulcers, partial-thickness thermal burns, surgical incisions, skin irritations, abrasions, and conditions associated with peristomal care
Contraindications
None provided by the manufacturer
Application
Obtain surgical consult, or consider sharp debridement of necrotic tissue.
Clean the wound, and then wick out excessive moisture using a gauze sponge.
Apply a generous layer of Dermagran Zinc-Saline Hydrogel to entire wound bed.
Cover with an appropriate secondary dressing, such as DermaSite or DermaFilm.
