Wound Care Products
CliniSorb®
Activated charcoal dressing, removing wound malodour by adsorbing toxins
Wound malodour can cause unnecessary distress to the patient and carer. Malodour occurs as a result of bacterial metabolism and the production of volatile fatty acids. Activated charcoal dressings such as CliniSorb adsorb these toxins thus removing the malodour from the wound.
CliniSorb reduces odour
CliniSorb is a sterile activated charcoal cloth which is sandwiched between layers of viscose rayon and coated with polyamide. The polyamide coating stops the dressing from adhering to the wound surface and fibres from coming away from the dressing.
CliniSorb can be used to control odour for a range of wounds such as, pressure ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic foot and fungating wounds. It can be used in both moderately and lightly exuding wounds, the latter with the addition of a separate primary dressing to prevent adherence.
Traditionally it has been believed that CliniSorb should only be used as a secondary dressing and that its effectiveness would be reduced when it became wet. Hampton1 concluded from a pilot study carried out on 20 patients that those nurses who used CliniSorb as a primary layer commented that malodour either improved or remained the same. Therefore using CliniSorb as a primary layer does not affect the malodour controlling properties of the charcoal dressing.
Both sides of CliniSorb are identical therefore it can be used either side down. It is soft and flexible and can be cut to conform to curved body sites. It can be reused for up to a week thus making it a very cost effective charcoal option.
CliniSorb is available in three sizes and can be cut to size without loss of performance.
- Hampton S April (2003) reducing malodour in wounds: a dressing evaluation journal of community nursing volume 17; issue 4
Dressing sizes
| Product code | Product size |
| 2305 | 10 x 10 cm |
| 2310 | 10 x 20 cm |
| 2315 | 15 x 25 cm |
* Prices as at September 2013
NHS supply chain codes
| Product Description and Brand | Product Code | Catalogue Number | Pack Size (units) |
| Dressing activated charcoal non – absorbent | |||
| CliniSorb 10 x 10cm | 2305 | ELV051 | Pack of 10 |
| CliniSorb 10 x 20cm | 2310 | ELV053 | Pack of 10 |
| CliniSorb 15 x 25cm | 2315 | ELV055 | Pack of 10 |
Please ensure to read the full instructions for use before using this product. Instructions for use are provided on the product packaging.
How to use
CliniSorb is indicated for the management of malodorous wounds. It can be used on fungating wounds and a variety of other chronic wounds with good results.
- CliniSorb can be cut to size if necessary
- CliniSorb can be applied either side down
- A secondary dressing can be applied on top of CliniSorb if appropriate
- CliniSorb can be secured in place using adhesive tape or in a manner appropriate for the indication
- Change when necessary
Contraindications
Not indicated as a primary dressing for dry wounds.
How CliniSorb works
The activated charcoal surface in the dressing electrostatically attracts volatile fatty acids and adsorbs them, to prevent odour escaping.
For more information on indications for CliniSorb, please view the wound classification model by clicking here.
Clinisorb
My husband is diabetic has lymphoedema and arthritis. His ulcers on both legs exudate. and Clinisorb takes the smell away. Which makes my husband and myself happy. and also more comfortable and not embarrassed from the odour.
Hilary Miles - April 2020