FAQ

Questions About BloodSTOP® Hemostatic Matrix Products

Medical Professionals

Q: I have used your wonderful product to achieve hemostasis during and after dental surgeries.  I would like to know if it is completely resorbable (dissolvable).  Is it safe to place it inside an extraction socket and close the wound completely inside tissues using sutures?

A: BloodSTOP® materials, when coming in contact with blood, initiate immediate coagulation and achieve hemostasis. They then dissolve into a gel that is completely water soluble, and does not have to be removed, i.e. because it will be washed out by saliva and/or wound exudates over a short period of time. Many of the standard techniques include packing the socket and adapting or not adapting the wound with suture(s), leaving space for drainage. We cannot recommend the creation of a closed contaminated space, as that would increase the risk for abscess formation.

Q: Has BloodSTOP® been clinically tested?

A: The BloodSTOP® family of hemostatic products has undergone extensive laboratory testing to ensure safety and efficacy for intended uses. In markets outside the US, BloodSTOP® iX has a ten-year history of safe and effective clinical use in internal wound care to stop bleeding fast.

Regulatory Approvals

Q: What are the similarities between BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX products?

A: Both types are composed of water soluble, etherified carboxymethyl cellulose, and both have demonstrated faster time-to-hemostasis than is possible using traditional wound care methods.

Q: What are the differences between BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX products?

A: BloodSTOP® is for surface wound care and is proven fast-acting, safe and effective to stop bleeding from cuts, abrasions, bites and punctures to the skin surface. BloodSTOP® iX is a finer-grade, purified hemostat that it is 100% water-soluble, biorebsorbable, and passes the more rigorous biocompatibility tests required for use inside the body: hemocompatibility, intracutaneous reactivity, subcutaneous implantation, genotoxicity, and chronic toxicity.  It is double-packaged for sterile delivery.

Regulatory Approvals

Q: Are BloodSTOP® products absorbable?

A: Yes.

Q: Are BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX irritating?

A: BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX are non-irritating, biocompatible and pH neutral.

Q: What is the cost of BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX relative to other comparable products on the market?

A: BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX have a significantly lower cost than other existing products, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Surgicel and Gelfoam products, collagen products, and human or animal thrombin products.

Q: Are there any known side effects for BloodSTOP® (products used in approved wound care applications)?

A:  In the ten-year history since BloodSTOP® technology was introduced, there have been no reported or observed side effects. In animal tests, BloodSTOP® and BloodSTOP® iX have demonstrated effectiveness in hemostasis without causing irritation, heat, inflammation, or redness.

Q: How does BloodSTOP® work?

A: When applied to a wound, BloodSTOP® products quickly absorb blood and exudates, transform into a gel to seal the wound with a protective transparent layer, bind and activate platelets, provide support for clot formation, and create an environment for wound healing.

Q: How long can BloodSTOP® products be stored after purchase?

A: BloodSTOP® products come individually packaged in sealed, sterile pouches and have a shelf-life of approximately five years when properly stored.

Q: How are BloodSTOP® products sterilized?

A: With gamma radiation, in compliance with international standards for medical device sterilization.

Q: Will I need to apply pressure to the site after the BloodSTOP® has been applied and, if so, for how long?

A: For both internal and surface wounds, additional layers of the product and pressure can be applied according to the nature and intensity of the hemorrhage to be stopped. For internal applications, pressure should be applied over BloodSTOP® iX with a wet piece of cotton gauze for approximately one minute. See package insert for complete instructions.

Q: How do I remove BloodSTOP® once the bleeding has stopped?

A: To remove excess BloodSTOP® material on surface wounds, simply rinse away with sterile water or saline solution, wiping gently if necessary. When used internally, excess material should be flushed with sterile water or saline solution before surgical closure.

Download Instruction Sheet

Consumers

Q: Where can BloodSTOP® be used?

A: BloodSTOP® can be used on any skin surface cut, scrape, or razor nick, and inside nostrils in the case of nosebleeds.

Q: What is the cost of BloodSTOP® relative to other comparable products on the market?

A: BloodSTOP® is a fraction of the cost of comparable hemostatic products, but with more added value in terms of safe, fast-acting and non-irritating wound care for people of all ages.

Q: Do I need doctor’s prescription when I order it?

A:  NO. Over-the-counter BloodSTOP® is available through the LifeScience PLUS website, at certain drugstore retailers, and for volume purchases through distributors worldwide.

Where to Buy Direct

Q: Are there any known side effects?

A:  In the product’s ten-year history, there have been no reported or observed side effects. In animal tests, BloodSTOP® has been demonstrated to stop bleeding in one minute or less, with no irritation, heat, inflammation, or redness.

Q: Who can use BloodSTOP®?

A: BloodSTOP® products can be used for or by anyone with surface wounds who is bleeding —whether a minor cut or a major injury. It is safe for all ages. It is commonly used in a wide variety of settings—at home and school, at sporting events, and in intervention by first responders. In serious emergency situations, a medical professional should always be consulted.

Q: How does it work?

A: When applied to a wound, BloodSTOP® quickly absorbs blood and other body fluids, transforms into a gel to seal the wound with a protective transparent layer, actively aids in stopping bleeding, and creates an environment for wound healing.

Q: How long should I leave BloodSTOP® on before it needs to be removed?

A: It can be left on as long as necessary to stop bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped, BloodSTOP® can be removed from surface wounds by rinsing with sterile water or saline solution and gentle wiping so as not to disturb the wound.

Q: Can I use BloodSTOP® on my pets?

A: Yes, BloodSTOP® is safe and effective in veterinary applications and therefore, on all animal surface wounds. For serious wounds, a veterinary professional should be consulted.

Q: Should I cover BloodSTOP® with an additional dressing after it has been applied?

A: We recommend using an additional standard dressing to maintain moist wound environment.

Q: Will I need to apply pressure to the site after the BloodSTOP® has been applied?

A: Applying pressure will assist in hemostasis. However, it will not always be necessary for small cuts or injuries.

For serious wounds, a medical professional should be consulted.

Q: If I cut the BloodSTOP® into smaller pieces, can I keep the unused portion and use it at a later time?

A: Once the sterile package has been opened, and the contents handled, it renders the material non-sterile and unfit for reuse.

Download Instruction Sheet