The right pad for a cut that will not quit — the wrong one for a wound that is killing someone. For that, carry a tourniquet and a packing gauze.
At a glance
8 things to know about the Dynarex Hemostat Gauze Dressing
What it is made of, what it is labeled for, and where it sits in a kit.
-
01
Cellulose — not a mineral, not chitosan
Dynarex makes this pad from soluble regenerated cellulose, a white or light-yellow fabric produced by chemically treating regenerated cellulose, and lists the material as 100% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.3,4 It contains no kaolin and no chitosan.
-
02
It turns to gel when it meets blood
On contact with blood or wound fluid the fabric quickly becomes a clear, thick gel that fills small gaps in the wound, seals the ends of capillaries and activates clotting.3 Dynarex calls it a glucose gel that helps protect the wound.4
-
03
Labeled for minor bleeding
Dynarex labels it for the management of topical wounds and the temporary control of external surface bleeding — minor cuts and lacerations. It is for external use only.3
-
04
Not for life-threatening bleeding
A wound that is spurting or pooling blood needs a tourniquet if it is on a limb a tourniquet can control, or a hemostatic packing gauze held under firm pressure for at least 3 minutes; Combat Gauze is the evidence-based hemostatic dressing of choice.1 The Dynarex pad is not evidence-based standard.2
-
05
A flat pad, not a packing strip
The pad is 4 × 4 in. and can be cut or folded as needed.3 It is not a Z-fold and is not built to be packed into a wound cavity — for that, carry Combat Gauze or CELOX Rapid.
-
06
Gentle pressure, then water
Clean the wound, cover the bleeding site and press gently until the bleeding stops. Then moisten the pad with clean water and rinse away the excess gel; repeat with fresh dressings if needed.3
-
07
Clean wounds only
Dynarex states it should not be used on dirty, contaminated or infected wounds. Swelling or redness lasting more than 48 hours, or itching, burning, rash, fever or pain, means the person should see a doctor.3
-
08
Sterile, latex-free, three-year shelf life
Each pad is gamma-sterilized in its original packaging and is not made with natural rubber latex. Store it in a cool, dry place between 41 and 104 °F (5–40 °C); shelf life is three years. Do not use it if the pouch is open or damaged.3
How to use the Dynarex Hemostat Gauze Dressing
The manufacturer's directions, in order, after the one decision that comes first.
-
1Match the dressing to the bleed. Life-threatening limb bleeding a tourniquet can control gets a tourniquet first — high and tight over clothing when the source can't be seen, or on bare skin 2–3 in. above the wound once it is exposed; never across a joint. A deep wound gets packed with hemostatic gauze and at least 3 minutes of firm pressure.1 This pad is for minor and surface bleeding.
-
2Clean the wound. Clear dirt and debris from the wound before the pad goes on.3
-
3Cover the bleeding site. Place the pad over the bleeding site; cut or fold it to fit.3
-
4Press gently. Hold gentle pressure on the pad until the bleeding stops.3
-
5Moisten and rinse. Once the bleeding has stopped, moisten the pad with clean water and rinse the excess gel away.3
-
6Repeat if needed. Repeat the steps with additional dressings as needed. If the bleeding continues, the person needs a doctor or an emergency room.3
-
7Watch the wound. Swelling or redness beyond 48 hours, or signs of infection such as fever, pain, redness or swelling, means a doctor should see it.3
Where it fits
- Minor cuts and lacerations that keep oozing3
- External surface bleeding from topical wounds3
- Workplace, vehicle and home first aid kits
- The minor-wound layer of a first responder or EMT kit4
- Life-threatening bleeding — tourniquet first for a limb, packing gauze for a deep wound1
- Packing a wound cavity — use Combat Gauze or CELOX Rapid
- Dirty, contaminated or infected wounds3
- Inside the body — external use only3
The evidence
PubMed lists no clinical or animal study of this dressing. Its labeling sets it up for minor bleeding, and the evidence base for severe bleeding belongs to the evidence-based standard dressings.
| Study | Evidence type | What was studied | What it found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Standard Devices & Adjuncts, 15 December 2021 | Expert review · device list | Hemostatic dressings and devices recommended for combat casualty care | Combat Gauze, Celox Gauze, ChitoGauze, XStat and iTClamp are listed; no soluble cellulose dressing is on the list |
For life-threatening bleeding, choose a evidence-based standard dressing; Combat Gauze is the evidence-based hemostatic dressing of choice.1
How it compares
Where this pad sits against the flat and packing hemostatics a buyer is likely to weigh.
| Dynarex Hemostat Gauze | Axiostat L88 patch | Combat Gauze | Celox Rapid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active material | Soluble regenerated cellulose (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) | 100% chitosan | Kaolin (mineral) | Chito-R™ chitosan granules bonded to gauze |
| Format | Flat 4 × 4 in. pad | Flat 8 × 8 cm patch | 3 in. × 4 yd (12 ft) Z-fold | 3 in. × 5 ft Z-fold |
| Job | Minor cuts and surface bleeding | Covers a bleeding surface | Packs a deep wound | Packs a deep wound |
| Labeled pressure | Gentle, until bleeding stops | Until the patch sticks; leave in place 10+ min after bleeding stops | At least 3 min | 60 s, or until bleeding stops |
| evidence-based standard | No | No | Yes — hemostatic dressing of choice | Yes |
| Shellfish-derived | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Labeled pressure comes from each manufacturer's instructions; the TCCC Guidelines set at least 3 minutes of direct pressure for any hemostatic dressing used on life-threatening bleeding.1
Build the system
The dressings and tools for the bleeding this pad is not built for, and the plain gauze that sits beside it.
Questions buyers ask
Package & specifications
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
Domestic & Military Shipping
Free Standard Shipping: Automatically applied at checkout on all orders $200 and above within the 48 contiguous United States (CONUS).
APO/FPO Military Addresses: Unconditionally free standard shipping on every order, with no minimum purchase required.
Order Processing & Tracking
Fulfillment Timeline: In stock merchandise ships within 48-72 hours from Florida HQ.
Automated carrier tracking details are emailed immediately upon shipment dispatch.
30-Day Returns & Medical Safety
Returns: Unused, unopened equipment in original manufacturer packaging is eligible for return within 30 days of delivery.
Bio-Safety Notice: To ensure sterility and patient safety, medical consumables with opened or broken tamper-evident seals cannot be returned.
Return Facility: MED-TAC International Corp., 15757 Pines Blvd, Suite 154, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027.
Export Compliance
North American Rescue (NAR) products and rifle hard armor plates are strictly restricted to US and APO/FPO addresses and cannot be exported internationally.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Customer Reviews
