In any medical emergency involving severe bleeding, the first priority is bleeding control. Whether it’s a deep cut, traumatic injury, or surgical wound, stopping blood loss quickly can prevent shock, improve survival rates, and aid in faster recovery. Traditional gauze has long been used to manage wounds, but its limitations in severe cases have led to the development of advanced hemostatic dressings. Two primary types dominate the field: Kaolin-based dressings and chitosan-based dressings (such as Axiostat®).

While both are designed to improve bleeding control beyond standard gauze, their mechanisms of action and overall effectiveness differ significantly. This article compares these two technologies and explains why Axiostat’s 100% chitosan-based dressing is the superior choice for effective bleeding control.

What Are Hemostatic Dressings?

Hemostatic dressings are advanced wound care products designed to stop bleeding rapidly by accelerating the body’s natural clotting process. Unlike standard gauze, which only absorbs blood and requires sustained manual pressure, hemostatic dressings actively promote clot formation, reducing the time needed to stop bleeding.

These dressings are particularly useful in severe trauma cases, including military combat injuries, surgical procedures, and emergency medical situations where rapid bleeding control can save lives.

Kaolin-Based Hemostatic Dressing

Kaolin is a clay-based substance that functions by activating Factor XII in the clotting cascade, triggering the body’s natural coagulation process. It has been widely used in military applications, particularly in the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC) guidelines, where it is listed as a preferred hemostatic agent.

How Kaolin-Based Dressings Work

When kaolin comes into contact with blood, it initiates the coagulation cascade by activating Factor XII, which starts a chain reaction leading to clot formation. This process mimics the body’s natural hemostatic mechanism.

Limitations of Kaolin-Based Dressings

Despite their widespread use, kaolin-based hemostatic dressings have several limitations that can make them less effective in certain medical situations:

• Relies on the patient’s clotting ability – Since kaolin activates Factor XII, it depends on the patient’s own coagulation system. If a patient has a coagulation disorder or is on anticoagulants, kaolin may be ineffective.
  
  
• Brittle clot formation – The clot formed by kaolin-based dressings is not as stable as bioadhesive clots. This increases the risk of re-bleeding if the dressing is disturbed.
  
  
• Ineffective in heavily exudating wounds – Excessive blood flow can wash away clotting factors before a stable clot forms, making kaolin-based dressings less reliable in high-pressure bleeding scenarios.
  
  
• Does not provide an antimicrobial barrier – Kaolin-based dressings do not prevent bacterial growth, increasing the risk of infection in open wounds.
  
  
• Painful removal – Since kaolin-based dressings rely on forming a clot through the coagulation cascade, they often stick to the wound. This makes removal painful and potentially damaging to fragile tissue.
  
  

Chitosan-Based Hemostatic Dressings (Axiostat®)

Axiostat is a 100% chitosan-based hemostatic dressing designed to stop moderate to severe bleeding instantly. Unlike kaolin-based dressings, Axiostat does not depend on the clotting cascade, making it highly effective in patients on blood thinners or those with impaired clotting function.

How Axiostat Works

• Uses Protonated Bioadhesive Technology (PBT®) – This allows Axiostat to bind rapidly to blood components.
  
  
• The positively charged chitosan molecules attract negatively charged red blood cells and platelets, forming a strong, stable clot within minutes.
  
  
• Works even in anticoagulated patients, where traditional clotting mechanisms are ineffective.
  
  
• Provides a natural antimicrobial barrier, reducing infection risk.
  
  

Advantages of Axiostat Over Kaolin-Based Dressings

• Faster Hemostasis – Stops bleeding in 2–3 minutes, while kaolin-based dressings can take longer.
  
  
• Effective on Anticoagulated Patients – Works without relying on clotting factors, making it superior for patients on warfarin, heparin, or other blood thinners.
  
  
• Stronger Clot Formation – Forms a robust bioadhesive clot, reducing re-bleeding risk.
  
  
• Antimicrobial Protection – Provides natural protection against infections, unlike kaolin-based dressings.
  
  
• Pain-Free Removal – Unlike kaolin-based dressings, which can adhere to the wound and cause trauma upon removal, Axiostat can be painlessly removed with saline irrigation.
  
  

Kaolin vs. Chitosan

Variants of Axiostat Chitosan Hemostatic Dressing

Axiostat Rolled Gauze (L150)

• Ideal for large surface wounds, such as head and scalp lacerations.
  
  
• Flexible and easy to wrap around wounds.
  
  
• Leaves no residue, ensuring painless removal.
  

Axiostat Z-Fold Gauze (MIL300) – Military Hemostatic Dressing

• Designed for combat situations, used by military personnel and paramedics.
  
  
• Effective for gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and blast injuries.
  
  
• Soft, pliable material that can be packed into deep wounds.
  
  
• Provides a bacterial barrier, preventing infections.
  

Axiostat Hemostatic Patch (L88)

• Used for vascular injuries, puncture wounds, and areas where gauze cannot fit.
  
  
• Instant bleeding control, making it ideal for high-risk trauma scenarios.
  
  
• Easily removable with saline irrigation, ensuring a painless experience.
  

When to Use a Hemostatic Patch Over Gauze?

Choose Axiostat Hemostatic Patch When:
✔ You need instant bleeding control in severe injuries.
✔ The patient is on blood thinners, making standard clotting slower.
✔ You are dealing with deep wounds, vascular injuries, or combat trauma.
✔ Faster hemostasis can improve survival outcomes in emergency situations.
✔ You require a sterile, antimicrobial, and long-lasting solution.

Choose Kaolin-Based Dressings When:
✔ The patient has an intact clotting system.
✔ You are managing a minor bleeding wound.
✔ No risk of high-pressure bleeding or anticoagulated patients.

Conclusion: Why Axiostat is the Superior Choice

While kaolin-based dressings have been widely used, Axiostat’s 100% chitosan-based hemostatic dressing provides faster, stronger, and more reliable bleeding control in both emergency and surgical applications.

With superior hemostatic performance, effectiveness in anticoagulated patients, and antimicrobial protection, Axiostat is the gold standard in bleeding control.

For more information on Axiostat’s life-saving technology, visit www.axiostat.com