South Florida Health News: New WoundSeal Product Guarantees To Stop Bleeding Cuts Instantly

Aug. 8, 2011 - PRLog -- SOUTH FLORIDA MEDICAL NEWS: Accidents happen. Moms cut their finger in the kitchen. Seniors with thin skin bump their arm. And active families get hurt while on the go. In many cases, the accident produces a bloody wound that requires first aid. To help people stop bleeding instantly, guaranteed, Walgreens now carries WoundSeal, a topical powder used in hospitals that now is available in an over the counter version.

“When a cut or laceration occurs,” states Louis Guzzi, M.D., a leading Orlando critical care physician, “the WoundSeal powder forms an instant seal or scab once it is poured directly onto the bleeding wound. This scab stops the bleeding, seals the wound, and allows the body’s own mechanism to begin healing.”

In simplest terms, the WoundSeal powder + light pressure = an instant scab. In technical terms, it is the science of the powder that makes it truly innovative and unique at the local drug store and in the hospital emergency room.

WoundSeal is composed of a hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate.  When the powder is poured onto a bleeding wound, the hydrophilic polymer instantly dehydrates the blood by absorbing only the plasma or liquid portion of the blood stacking the blood solids beneath the powder.  Simultaneously the potassium ferrate dissolves, releasing iron that agglomerates (binds together) the blood solids to create an occlusive seal.

As manual pressure is applied to the powder, the seal adheres to the wound and surrounding skin.  The seal, which has formed in seconds, stops further bleeding or oozing.  The natural clotting process proceeds below the seal.

States Dr. Guzzi, “Through my own use in the hospital, I’ve seen how great it works for patients on blood thinners… so much so I gave it to my mom to use. As a doctor and a son, WoundSeal gives me peace of mind knowing that the product stops bleeding and seals wounds anytime, anywhere. I’m pleased it is widely available for in-home use.”

Already in 500+ Florida stores, Walgreens decided to place it into 285 South Florida stores based on the feedback of consumers who tried the product.

“Across this community, Walgreens is a trusted resource for innovative pharmacy, health and wellness solutions. This is especially true for our senior customers,” states Marlin Hutchens, Walgreens Market Vice President. “We were quite pleased with the reception WoundSeal received in our other Florida stores and amazed by our customer’s positive reaction when they came back to get more. With this product expansion, we’re confident that WoundSeal adds to our mission of helping people get well, stay well and live well.”

While the product is clinically proven to be safe – and work – on all ages, WoundSeal is particularly helpful for seniors on blood thinning medications and or those with thin skin.  For these consumers, treating a bleeding wound can take hours or days to control. And changing bloody bandages and removing tape during this time can tear the skin, only to cause more bleeding and start everything all over again.

Jim Simpson of Port Charlotte was first introduced to the product during a doctor’s visit and was part of the test consumer group to try the product.

“As a person who takes blood thinning medications, I found that the simplest of cuts took 3 to 4 hours to stop bleeding,” states Simpson. “With WoundSeal, I simply pour the powder onto the wound and it stops the bleeding in seconds. We now carry it every-place… in my pocket, in my car, in my wife’s purse, in my golf bag. For me, it’s a life changing product. I’ll never be without it.”

Dr. Guzzi notes that the scab, or external seal, created when WoundSeal is added to a bleeding wound forms independently of the blood clotting cascade, which is important for people on blood thinners. In addition to stopping bleeding, the topical powder helps prevent infection by creating a microbial barrier over and around the wound surface.

For Biolife, adding the Miami-Dade market to its consumer launch is an exciting time for the emerging company.

“From our successful West Coast launch through our tremendous results in Central and Northern Florida,” states Sam Shake, president of Biolife, “the Walgreens/Biolife team knew we had something special that needed to be geographically expanded to help more people deal with nuisance and prolonged bleeding incidents. We’re excited to bring this medical breakthrough technology to South Florida.”

WoundSeal is available at Walgreens for $6.99 for a pack of four applications.


About Walgreens
Walgreens (http://www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 8,150 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America.

About Biolife, LLC

Biolife, L.L.C. is a privately-owned company that manufactures and distributes a patented topical powder that stops bleeding and forms a seal over an external bleeding wound or an access site.  Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, Biolife's powder products are sold to leading hospitals, occupational workplaces, professional sports teams, and consumers across the country. The company's mission is to develop and market products that improve the consumer's quality of life. For more detailed information on Biolife, LLC please call toll free 1-800-722-7559 or visit http://www.woundseal.com.