As you may or may not recall, in December there was a post on DIY chitosan dressings. And if we already have one DIY hemostatic to do the job, why would we want two? Other than the prepper principle that “two is one, and one is none”? And it’s a great question.
The best answer is that these are two entirely different products used in different situations. Yes, the purpose of these hemostatics (an agent that hastens blood clotting) is the same: to stop serious bleeding. Chitosan is best for internal use; QuikClot for external use. First off, let’s get these two guys straight in our brains before proceeding any further.
|
Trade name |
Celox |
QuikClot |
|
Ingredient |
Chitosan (shellfish shells) |
Kaolin clay |
|
|
Organic |
Inorganic |
|
Best usage |
Serious internal wounds |
Minor to serious external wounds |
|
Safe to leave in body before closing wound |
Yes (do NOT leave gauze in body) |
No |
|
Action mechanism |
As a mucoadhesive, it forms a gel-like plug, helping blood cells stick to each other and stop the hemorrhage. |
Activates body’s natural clotting cascade, to speed clot formation |
|
Better for which patients? |
|
Those who have blood clotting disorders or who are taking anti-coagulants like aspirin |
|
Additional benefits |
Bacteriostatic |
|
|
Other names |
ChitoSam, ChitoGauze, X-STAT |
Combat Gauze |
QuikClot, in all its forms—gauze, powder, or wound injecting (powder in a syringe minus the needle)—is what the military uses, even for internal wounds. Those patients will eventually be treated at a hospital and every bit of clay meticulously removed. We’re going to be operating in austere circumstances, and chitosan may be a better choice. While it is best to remove all the chitosan, no harm will occur if some is missed. Of course, if the patient has a blood-clotting issue, kaolin/Quikclot will be the only option.
I am betting that my husband will have a blood-clotting issue in the future. Of course, I’m not sure, but I think it’s best to prepare now. He already bleeds very well when he tests his blood sugars or gets a minor cut. And keep clear if he gets a nosebleed. Some of them are real gushers. (He passed that gene on to a few of our children.) Storing loads of QuikClot isn’t financially feasible. Making a pile of it with kaolin clay and gauze is a no-brainer.
DIY QuikClot
You will need:
Gauze squares
Kaolin powder (Amazon is one source)
Water
Mix kaolin powder and water together to make a smooth paste. Spread it thinly on the gauze. Let it air dry completely.[1] If you wish to sterilize the gauze squares, place them in sterilization pouches and run them through your Instapot/autoclave.
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, and do not have the kaolin gauze yet prepared, never fear. The powder or paste may also be used immediately. Place it on the gauze and then use direct pressure to apply the gauze to the wound.
In all situations, you must apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. This isn’t fairy dust and you aren’t a superhero. You’re just a plain hero who has to apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Links to related posts:
Hemostatic Agents to Stop Bleeding
Can You Use an Instapot or Pressure Cooker as an Autoclave?
Wrapping Instruments and Other Items for Sterilization
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9616665/
https://www.ajtmh.org/view/journals/tpmd/102/2/article-p468.xml
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10625728/
https://www.narescue.com/nar-blog/kaolin-vs-chitosan-in-hemostatics.html
https://medicalgearoutfitters.com/blogs/firstaid/the-secrets-of-hemostatics-discover-how-quikclot-and-celox-work
https://quikclot.com/QuikClot-2020/IFU/Non-Interventional/459QuikClot4x4.pdf
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