CELOX Z-Fold Hemostatic Gauze

Key Specifications

Product Overview

CELOX Z-Fold Hemostatic Gauze is the original, foundational Celox hemostatic product in a versatile Z-fold format. It contains the proven Celox chitosan granule formulation — microscopic chitosan flakes compressed over a large surface area — coated onto both sides of a non-woven gauze base. When applied to a bleeding wound and subjected to pressure, Celox chitosan absorbs blood and forms an adhesive gel that physically seals the wound and stops blood flow. The mechanism is completely independent of the body's clotting cascade, making it effective regardless of the patient's coagulation status.

In a landmark U.S. military-sponsored comparative study, Celox Gauze (10 ft.) achieved the lowest overall blood loss, the highest survival rate, and the highest overall hemostasis of all products tested. At 30 minutes post-application, Celox Gauze recorded a significantly shorter time to clot compared with standard gauze and Combat Gauze (p < 0.05). Post-treatment blood loss was lowest for Celox Gauze (110 mL) versus standard gauze (120 mL) and Combat Gauze. These results contributed to the 2014 TCCC Guideline Change 13-05, which added Celox Gauze and ChitoGauze as CoTCCC-recommended alternatives to Combat Gauze, particularly for patients where anticoagulation or hypothermia may impair the clotting cascade.

The 10 ft. length is the extended format — longer than the standard Celox 5 ft. and significantly longer than Celox RAPID at 5 ft. — providing ample material for large wounds, multiple wound packing, or training applications where gauze consumption is high. The Z-fold configuration reduces the packaged cube size to 6.75 × 4.25 × 0.75 in. despite the extended length, and allows deployment with one hand. The sterile, waterproof foil packaging maintains a 5-year shelf life at ambient temperature. Celox chitosan does not generate heat, does not contain animal or human proteins (purified from shellfish chitin), and requires no scissors for application — the gauze tears to length in the field.

How to Apply

1. Identify catastrophic external hemorrhage and expose the wound.
2. Open the sterile foil pouch and remove the Z-fold gauze.
3. Take one end of the gauze and pack tightly and directly onto the bleeding source.
4. Continue packing the unfolding gauze into the wound until the cavity is filled above skin level, maintaining pressure throughout.
5. Apply firm, constant pressure for 3 minutes. Do not remove to inspect — maintain continuous pressure.
6. If the wound is not filled by one product, use an additional Celox gauze or plain gauze to fill above skin level.
7. Apply a pressure bandage and transport to definitive care. May remain in place up to 24 hours.

Z-Fold vs. Celox RAPID

The CELOX Z-Fold uses the original Celox chitosan formulation and requires 3 minutes of compression. Celox RAPID upgrades this with the Chito-R bioadhesive, reducing compression time to 60 seconds. For most active-use trauma kits where compression time is operationally significant, Celox RAPID or Celox RAPID Ribbon is preferred. The Z-Fold 10 ft. variant provides the most gauze material per unit — best suited for large wounds, high-volume hemorrhage, or training environments. Both products carry CoTCCC recommendation as chitosan-based alternatives (TCCC Guideline Change 13-05, 2014).

See MED-TAC's full hemostatic agents collection or complete your hemorrhage control kit at our massive hemorrhage control and IFAK kits collections.

All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.