Wound Care Supplies Buying Guide: Dressings, Bandages and Treatment Products
Complete Guide to Purchasing Wound Care Products for Healthcare Facilities
Proper wound care is essential for patient outcomes and infection prevention. This guide covers the full spectrum of wound care supplies, selection criteria, and purchasing strategies for healthcare organizations.
Wound Care Product Categories
Primary Dressings
Primary dressings contact the wound directly and are selected based on wound type, drainage level, and healing stage:
Foam Dressings
- Ideal for moderate to heavily draining wounds
- Provides cushioning and thermal insulation
- Available with adhesive borders or non-adhesive versions
- Common brands: Mepilex, Allevyn, Biatain
Hydrocolloid Dressings
- Best for low to moderate drainage wounds
- Creates moist healing environment
- Self-adhesive and waterproof
- Suitable for partial-thickness wounds and pressure injuries (stages 1-2)
Alginate Dressings
- Highly absorbent for heavily draining wounds
- Derived from seaweed (calcium alginate)
- Requires secondary dressing
- Excellent for cavity wounds and tunneling
Hydrogel Dressings
- Provides moisture to dry wounds
- Cooling effect reduces pain
- Available as sheets, amorphous gels, or impregnated gauze
- Ideal for burns, radiation wounds, and necrotic tissue
Antimicrobial Dressings
For infected or at-risk wounds, antimicrobial dressings provide additional protection:
- Silver dressings – Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, available in multiple formats
- Iodine dressings – Cadexomer iodine for sustained release antimicrobial action
- Honey dressings – Medical-grade Manuka honey for natural antimicrobial properties
- PHMB dressings – Polyhexamethylene biguanide for biofilm disruption
Secondary Dressings and Securement
Gauze and Bandage Rolls
- Woven gauze – Traditional cotton gauze for general use
- Non-woven gauze – Less linting, better absorption
- Impregnated gauze – Petrolatum, iodine, or antiseptic treated
- Conforming bandages – Stretchy rolls for securing dressings
- Elastic bandages – Compression support (Ace wraps)
Medical Tapes
- Paper tape – Gentle adhesion for sensitive skin
- Cloth tape – Strong adhesion, good for securing heavy dressings
- Silicone tape – Painless removal, ideal for fragile skin
- Transparent film tape – Waterproof, allows wound monitoring
Specialized Wound Care Products
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
NPWT systems accelerate healing for complex wounds. Consider:
- Traditional canister-based systems for hospital use
- Portable single-use devices for outpatient/home care
- Rental vs. purchase cost-benefit analysis
- Disposable supplies (foam, drapes, canisters)
Skin Protectants and Barriers
- Liquid skin protectants (barrier films)
- Zinc oxide creams and pastes
- Moisture barrier creams
- Pectin-based barrier rings and strips
Wound Cleansers and Irrigation
- Sterile saline (pour bottles and spray)
- Wound cleansing solutions
- Antiseptic solutions (chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine)
- Irrigation syringes and splash guards
Wound Care Formulary Development
Building a Cost-Effective Formulary
A well-designed wound care formulary balances clinical outcomes with cost management:
- Assess current wound types and volumes in your patient population
- Select products covering full range of wound presentations
- Limit brand choices to 2-3 per category to maximize volume discounts
- Include education on appropriate product selection
- Review and update annually based on outcomes data
Product Standardization Benefits
- Reduced inventory carrying costs
- Better volume pricing from vendors
- Simplified training for clinical staff
- Improved compliance with evidence-based protocols
- Easier outcomes tracking and quality improvement
Purchasing Strategies
Volume Commitments
Negotiate annual volume commitments with preferred vendors for 15-30% discounts on list pricing. Include price protection clauses for market volatility.
GPO Contracts
Leverage Group Purchasing Organization contracts for competitive pricing. Many GPOs offer wound care-specific programs with tiered pricing based on compliance levels.
Consignment Programs
For high-cost specialty items like NPWT systems, consider consignment arrangements to reduce inventory investment and expiration risk.
Quality and Compliance Considerations
Product Quality Requirements
- FDA 510(k) clearance or approval
- Sterility assurance level (SAL) documentation
- Biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993
- Shelf-life stability data
Storage and Handling
Maintain wound care supplies in climate-controlled storage (typically 59-86°F). Implement first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation and monitor expiration dates monthly.
Wound Care Supplies from LAC Health
LAC Health offers a complete portfolio of wound care products from leading manufacturers. Our wound care specialists can help you build a cost-effective formulary tailored to your patient population. Request a consultation and product samples today.