Statseal® for Central Venous Catheter Insertion Sites in Critical Care

The intervention is the addition of an approved and commercially available haemostatic powder product which is indicated for the temporary external control of bleeding. Recommended application is at central venous catheter insertion, prior to the site being covered with a transparent dressing. Comprising a hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate, once in contact with protein-rich body fluids, the mechanism of action of the powder is to dehydrate and to absorb exudate. This simultaneously forms a low pH seal barrier which is hostile to microbial penetration while also purporting to help maintain clean and dry environment beneath transparent site dressings.