Laboratory Research
The mean ZI for Acticoat Flex-3 on E. coli was 1.59 ± 0.15 cm2, which was significantly greater than that observed for Aquacel Ag (p< 0.001), Mepilex Ag (p< 0.0001), Mepitel Ag (p< 0.001), Optifoam (p< 0.0001), and Tegaderm Alginate Ag (p< 0.01), but statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag. The mean ZI on S.aureus was 1.21 ± 0.16 cm2, which was greater than Aquacel Ag (p< 0.05), Mepilex (p< 0.0001), Optifoam (p< 0.0001), and Tegaderm Alginate Ag (p< 0.05), but statistically indistinguishable from Maxorb II Ag or Mepitel Ag.
Discussion: Of the SCWDs tested, Acticoat Flex-3 demonstrated the most robust antimicrobial effect. Herein, we show that Acticoat Flex-3 may provide the most wound protection against bacterial infection. In conclusion, these data provide clinicians with additional independent evidence to inform their clinical practice on the use of specific wound dressings.