Frequently Asked Questions

Oxidized cellulose

What is oxidized cellulose?

Oxidized cellulose (OC) is generated by the oxidation of natural material. Bioster uses long-fibred type cotton of the highest quality. Particular fibres of this cotton are 35 – 50 mm long, diam. 12-25 micrometre, they are twisted, flattened tubes sealed at one end. The basic unicellular fibre is built form microfibrils, the size of which is determined from units to tens nanometres. Thus it is possible to consider OC as a material with natural nanostructure. Using textile machines, these thin fibres are physically connected by the twisting of basic tubes to long fibres yarn. This process is called spinning.

What is the difference between oxidized cellulose and oxidized regenerated cellulose used by our competitors?

Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) originates by the oxidation of chemically regenerated cellulose. Cellulose raw material is chemically transformed to a soluble form and long, smooth and glossy fibres of the uniform diameter are formed. Further processing of this yarn and oxidation process is the same as with OC. An advantage of ORC is a higher mechanical strength in a dry form. The advantage of OC used by Bioster is a larger specific surface which is advantageous for creating an adhesive layer with thrombocytes and, compared with OCR, results in higher haemostatic capacity. ORC may contain chemical residues from the regeneration process. OC and OCR are two separate items of American pharmacopeia USP and it is possible to distinguish them microscopically.

Surgery

What are the indications and advantages of Traumastem TAF Light?

Traumastem TAF/TAF light is used to stop capillary, venous, slight arterial bleeding as well as to prevent bleeding in the early post-operative stages. Traumastem TAF Light is suitable for use in all ways of stopping diffuse haemorrhaging in the resection areas of organ parenchyma, muscles or circumscribed body cavities (such as the small pelvis) without contraindications.

How to apply Traumastem TAF Light?

Traumastem TAF/TAF light may simply be put on the required place by gentle pressure, fixed with a stitch, sewed onto a tissue or an organ or used as tamponade.

Does Traumastem TAF Light have any side effects or cause allergy? What are its contraindications?

No side effects have been detected after the application of Traumastem TAF/TAF light to date. Preclinical as well as clinical tests and many years of experience have not revealed any side effects. It is not suitable for stopping arterial bleeding.

Wound treatment

What is Traumastem Biodress and what are its main strengths?

Traumastem biodress is a unique natural oxidized cellulose dressing for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds. It considerably accelerates healing, particularly in the granulation and epithelization phases. In coated, highly exuding wounds, Traumastem biodress cleans and revitalizes the wound base and triggers granulation. If applied to clean granulated wounds, epithelization begins very quickly both at the edges and the centre of wounds. Traumastem biodress is applicable to all types of wounds (however, it is not intended for dry and necrotic wounds). Traumastem biodress considerably reduces pain in a wound, thus improving the mental and overall condition of a patient. Traumastem biodress is fully absorbable, atraumatic, hypoallergenic and without any side effects.

How is Traumastem Biodress used?

Before the application of Traumastem biodress, we recommend applying a compress solution to the wound for 10 – 15 minutes. Once the area around the wound has been treated by standard means (e.g. indifferent paste or antimicrobial solution, as the case may be), apply Traumastem biodress to the wound, ensuring that it does not extend over the edge of the wound. The size of the applied Traumastem biodress may be adjusted to the size of the wound by trimming. Then apply a secondary dressing (such as oily gauze) and fix it in place with a hydrophilic bandage. The dressing may be kept on the wound for 1–3 days. The frequency of redressing depends on the quantity of exudate.

How quickly does Traumastem Biodress relieve the pain and reduce the wound area?

In our experience, relief from wound pain already arrives during the first week of application.

In which size is Traumastem Biodress produced and is it covered by health insurance?

Traumastem biodress is produced in dimensions of 10×10 cm and 7.5×5 cm. Both versions are fully covered by health insurance.

Does Traumastem Biodress have any side effects or cause allergy? What are its contraindications?

To date no allergic reactions after the application of Traumastem biodress have been found. Traumastem biodress is completely biocompatible. It is not suitable for dry and necrotic wounds.

Rescue sets

Are Rescue Sets suitable for use in extreme situations?

Yes, they are. The packaging is very resistant and the product can float in water.

Are Rescue Sets suitable as accessories to doctor´s bags or cases?

Yes, they are. The types of sets for treatment of particular injuries are easily distinguishable by colour and original pictograms.

Car first aid kits

Is the structure of car first aid kits in compliance with law?

Yes, of course. Their structure corresponds with the new content of car first aid kits, in compliance with the regulation of The Ministry of Transport of Czech Republic No. 283/2009, which replaces the previous regulation No. 341/2009

Why is the content of car first aid kits separated by the expiry date?

This is to save on costs. After the expiry of some packages it is not necessary to buy complete new first aid kit, but only the particular pack.

How is the tube first aid kit II. different from other types of first aid kits?

It is possible to hang it on the wall. The content is also divided into 3 packs according to the expiry date.

Other medical material

Are the splints flexible? Do they keep shape?

Yes, aluminium core of the splint enables easy setting to the required shape which does not change.

Is possible to use the splints repeatedly?

There is a soft foam material on the splint surface, which is possible to wash and disinfect. Therefore it is possible to use the splints repeatedly without a risk of infection.

What for can I use a sterile bed-sheet?

The large form of the bed-sheet covers the whole body of the burns victim.

How do particular types of isothermic foils differ from each other?

All types have the same qualities and material thickness. Different colours serve various places and various professions. Gold foil is suitable for rescuers or mountain rescue services – good visibility is an advantage. Green foil is used by soldiers and foresters.

Are isothermic foils intended just for professionals?

No, they are also suitable for hikers or walkers outdoors, for keeping the heat in a sleeping bag or for warming up in the cold.

Special field dressing material

Where is it possible to use ready-made dressing in Alutex?

The size of the dressing fits easily into your pocket and it is ready to use in first aid situations. Professions to use this include e.g. foresters, mines, prison guards, etc. The ready-made dressings can be used also in extreme situations – packaging is resistant to water and vapours, it can also be used as container for liquids.

Radiation sterilization

Which material is suitable for wrapping the goods to be sterilized?

The wrapping material must be declared by its producer as suitable for radiation sterilization. If you are not sure, we can provide a test on material stability after the sterilization.

Is it possible to use the goods immediately after the irradiation?

Yes, it is possible. Radiation sterilization does not cause any secondary radioactivity or other harmful changes.

What is the overdose ratio?

The overdose ratio is 1,19 to 1,26, depending on density of irradiated material. Bioster irradiates the goods in blocks with dimensions 45 x45 x90 cm. Our overdose ratio is hence much less than with sterilization on pallets.

How long do goods keep sterile after sterilization?

As long as the package is kept microbially intact. The goods inside are sterile and cannot become non-sterile without microbes penetrating from the outside.

What is the sterilization dose?

The standard sterilization dose is a minimum of 25 kGy. It is a so called minimal sterilization dose. For testing purposes, we can administer any dose.

Is it possible to re-sterilize expired goods?

No, it is not. The goods and package are designed for only one sterilizing dose. Another irradiation decreases the durability of the package or the product or both.

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