Aquacel Ag Extra Antimicrobial Wound Dressing 10 x 10 cm 413567

Product Overview

AQUACEL Ag Extra Hydrofiber Dressing is an advanced antimicrobial wound dressing manufactured by ConvaTec, designed to address the three key local barriers to wound healing: excess exudate, infection, and biofilm. The dressing is composed of two layers of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Hydrofiber Technology) stitch-bonded together with regenerated cellulose fibre, impregnated with 1.2% ionic silver as the primary antimicrobial agent, and enhanced with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA) and benzethonium chloride (BeCl) for synergistic biofilm disruption.

Upon contact with wound exudate, the Hydrofiber matrix absorbs and locks fluid into the dressing structure, forming a soft, cohesive gel that intimately conforms to the wound surface topography. This gelling action maintains a moist wound environment, supports autolytic debridement of non-viable tissue, and locks bacteria within the gel matrix, reducing the risk of cross-contamination at dressing changes. The 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inch) format is suitable for medium-sized wounds and can be cut to shape without compromising integrity.

Specifications

Clinical Indications

• Management of moderate to highly exuding acute and chronic wounds at risk of infection or showing clinical signs of local infection
• Wounds where biofilm is suspected or confirmed, including non-healing chronic wounds with persistent inflammation
• Venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure injuries (Stage II–IV) requiring antimicrobial exudate management
• Acute traumatic wounds including surgical wounds, donor sites, and partial-thickness burns
• Wound bed preparation under Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) as a primary contact layer
• Post-operative wound management in contaminated or high-risk surgical sites

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What differentiates AQUACEL Ag Extra from standard AQUACEL Ag dressings?

A: AQUACEL Ag Extra features a stitch-bonded dual-layer Hydrofiber construction that provides 9x greater tensile strength and 50% more absorption capacity than the standard single-layer AQUACEL Ag. Additionally, AQUACEL Ag Extra incorporates EDTA and benzethonium chloride (BeCl) alongside ionic silver, creating a tri-component antimicrobial system specifically engineered to disrupt bacterial biofilm — a feature not present in the standard formulation.

Q: How long can AQUACEL Ag Extra remain in situ?

A: AQUACEL Ag Extra can remain in place for up to 7 days, depending on the volume of wound exudate and clinical assessment. The dressing should be changed when clinically indicated — typically when strike-through occurs, the secondary dressing becomes saturated, or as directed by the wound care protocol. The sustained silver release maintains antimicrobial efficacy throughout the wear period.

Q: Can AQUACEL Ag Extra be used on infected wounds?

A: Yes. AQUACEL Ag Extra is specifically indicated for wounds at risk of infection or showing signs of local wound infection. It provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. However, for wounds with confirmed systemic infection, appropriate systemic antimicrobial therapy should be initiated alongside local wound management as per institutional infection control guidelines.

Q: Is the dressing compatible with wound imaging and MRI?

A: The silver content in AQUACEL Ag Extra may produce artefacts on CT and MRI imaging. ConvaTec recommends removing the dressing prior to diagnostic imaging procedures. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for use for specific imaging compatibility guidance.

Q: Where can I purchase AQUACEL Ag Extra in Singapore?

A: AQUACEL Ag Extra 10 x 10 cm (REF 413567) is available through EMIS (Essential Medical International Supplies Pte Ltd) in Singapore. The product is a CE Class III medical device registered under the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) regulatory framework and is available for purchase by healthcare professionals, wound care clinics, and hospital procurement departments across Singapore.