Smith+Nephew Acticoat Silver Antimicrobial Barrier Dressing — Nanocrystalline Silver
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Smith+Nephew Acticoat Silver Antimicrobial Barrier Dressing — Nanocrystalline Silver, 3-Layer Construction with Absorbent Core
The "Gold Standard" silver barrier dressing for donor sites, graft sites, and partial-thickness burns. Featuring a unique three-layer laminate design—an absorbent rayon/polyester core sandwiched between two layers of silver-coated HDPE mesh—it delivers rapid nanocrystalline silver (Ag⁰) bactericidal activity within 30 minutes and maintains a protective environment for up to 3 days.
Smith+Nephew Acticoat (3-Day) is a potent antimicrobial barrier dressing designed for wounds that require sustained silver release combined with managed moisture. Unlike single-layer knitted dressings, the standard Acticoat utilizes a multi-layer construction. The inner core provides a reservoir for moisture, helping to maintain a moist wound environment and prevent the dressing from drying out prematurely, while the outer HDPE mesh layers are coated with nanocrystalline silver. Upon contact with wound moisture or added water, silver ions (Ag⁺) are released to kill over 150 pathogens—including MRSA, VRE, and Pseudomonas—in as little as 30 minutes. This classic 3-layer format provides more structural "body" than flexible knits, making it exceptionally easy to apply and smooth over large, flat surfaces. Available in five clinical sizes; box and case counts vary.
✔ Nanocrystalline Silver (Ag⁰) — Rapid Kill & Sustained 3-Day Protection ✔ 3-Layer Laminate — Absorbent Core Sandwiched by Silver Mesh ✔ Broad Spectrum — Effective Against 150+ Pathogens (MRSA, VRE, etc.) ✔ Low Adherent — Minimizes Trauma to Healing Tissue During Changes ✔ Moisture Management — Internal Core Helps Regulate the Wound Bed ✔ Dimensional Stability — Easier to Apply to Large, Flat Surfaces ✔ Cut to Size — Maintains Integrity When Trimmed
Product Details & Available Sizes
| Manufacturer | Smith+Nephew |
|---|---|
| Construction | 3-Layer Laminate: Absorbent rayon/polyester core between silver-coated HDPE mesh |
| Silver Type | Nanocrystalline Silver (Ag⁰) clusters |
| Antimicrobial Onset | Within 30 minutes — bactericidal activity begins on contact |
| Antimicrobial Duration | Up to 3 days sustained protection |
| Absorbency | Moderate — internal core manages fluid within the dressing layers |
| Adherence | Low adherent — polyethylene mesh minimizes bonding to the wound bed |
| Secondary Dressing | Required — secure with film, gauze, or compression based on exudate |
| NPWT Compatibility | Not Recommended — Use Acticoat Flex for NPWT applications |
| Sterility | Sterile |
| Latex | Latex-free |
| 20101 | 2" x 2" — Individual or Box of 5 |
| 20201 | 4" x 4" — Individual or Box of 12 |
| 20301 | 4" x 8" — Individual or Box of 12 |
| 20501 | 8" x 16" — Individual or Box of 6 |
| 20601 | 16" x 16" — Individual or Box of 6 |
Key Advantages: Why Choose Standard Acticoat?
While the Acticoat line includes "Flex" and "7-Day" versions, the standard 3-layer Acticoat remains a clinical staple for specific wound management scenarios:
- Structural Integrity: The laminate construction is more rigid than knitted versions. This makes it easier to position and smooth out over large, flat areas like the thighs (common donor sites) or the torso without the dressing bunching, rolling, or "bridging" over the wound surface.
- The Absorbent Core: The inner rayon/polyester layer acts as a moisture buffer. It can pull excess fluid away from a moderately draining wound or hold onto added moisture for a drier wound, maintaining the hydration necessary for nanocrystalline silver activation.
- Immediate Bioburden Reduction: Because the silver-coated mesh is the outermost layer, it makes direct, high-concentration contact with the wound surface immediately upon application, preventing colonization.
Indicated For — Wound Types
- Skin Graft Donor Sites: Widely regarded as a gold standard for protecting donor sites during the critical first 72 hours of healing.
- Partial-Thickness Burns: Provides a rapid antimicrobial barrier while the core manages burn exudate.
- Skin Grafts: Used to protect newly placed grafts from bacterial colonization and infection-related graft failure.
- Acute Wounds: Abrasions, lacerations, and surgical sites at high risk of infection.
- Chronic Wounds: Pressure injuries, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers requiring a 3-day assessment interval.
Standard Acticoat vs. Acticoat Flex — Choosing the Right Format
Selecting the correct "flavor" of Acticoat is essential for clinical success:
- Choose Standard Acticoat (This Page) if: You have a flat wound (like a donor site), need the dressing to assist with moisture regulation, or prefer a dressing with more body that is easier to handle and smooth down.
- Choose Acticoat Flex if: You are using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), have a highly contoured wound (like a knuckle, heel, or elbow), or require a dressing that stretches and moves with the patient.
Application Instructions
- Cleanse: Cleanse the wound area according to clinical protocol.
- Moisten: Acticoat must be moistened to "activate" the silver. Moisten the dressing with drinking water (sterile water or saline is also acceptable). Do not over-saturate; gently squeeze out any excess. Note: Do not use oil-based products (petrolatum) as they block silver ion release.
- Cut: Trim the dressing to the approximate shape of the wound. All antimicrobial properties are retained after cutting.
- Apply: Place the dressing on the wound. Either side can be placed against the wound surface.
- Cover: Secure with a secondary dressing (e.g., Opsite film, Gauze, or Bandaging) to maintain a moist environment.
- Maintenance: Keep the dressing moist. If the Acticoat becomes dry, silver release stops. You may re-moisten the dressing without removal by applying water to the top of the dressing.
- Removal: Change every 3 days. If the dressing sticks, use water to soak the area until it releases without traumatizing the tissue.
Why Buy From Medical Department Store?
- 30+ Years of Clinical Expertise: We understand the technical nuances of advanced wound care.
- Full Inventory: We stock the complete Acticoat line, including the hard-to-find 16x16 sheets.
- 110% Low Price Guarantee: Professional-grade supplies at the best prices online.
- Fast Shipping: Order today, ship today from our Southwest Florida logistics centers.
Need a 7-day wear time instead? Check out Acticoat 7 or call our specialists at 1-866-218-0902 for assistance.
