BIATAIN ADHESIVE ALGINATE

Elongated wounds, fistula openings, and narrow wound beds present a specific challenge for standard dressings, which may not conform well to their dimensions. Biatain Adhesive Alginate is a self-adhesive combination dressing from Coloplast in a 3cm x 44cm strip format. The wound contact layer is calcium alginate, which absorbs wound exudate and forms a soft gel in situ. Above it is a foam absorbent layer with an integrated adhesive border that holds the dressing in place without a secondary dressing. It contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. Available in the single size of 3cm x 44cm. No prescription is required.

Biatain Adhesive Alginate is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Coloplast. It is a multilayer combination dressing in a narrow strip format. The three functional components are: a calcium alginate wound contact layer, a foam absorbent layer above it, and a film backing with an integrated adhesive border. This combination is housed in a 3cm x 44cm strip that makes it particularly suited to elongated wounds and wound sites where a narrow format provides better wound contact than a square or rectangular sheet dressing.

Calcium alginate is a material derived from seaweed, specifically from the cell walls of brown algae. When alginate fibres contact wound exudate, the sodium ions in the exudate displace the calcium ions in the alginate fibres in an ion exchange reaction, transforming the dry fibres into a soft moist gel. This gel conforms to the wound surface, maintains a moist healing environment, and holds together sufficiently to be removed in a manageable mass at dressing changes. The alginate wound contact layer in Biatain Adhesive Alginate performs this same gelling function.

The foam layer above the alginate contact layer provides additional fluid handling capacity, drawing exudate upward from the alginate layer and retaining it within the foam structure. The integrated adhesive border makes Biatain Adhesive Alginate a self-contained dressing that does not require a separate secondary dressing for most wound locations.

Biatain Adhesive Alginate contains no silver and no antimicrobial agents. It is suited to moderately to heavily exuding clean wounds in an elongated format where the alginate wound contact and foam absorbency combination is clinically useful without infection management.

Biatain Adhesive Alginate contains no antimicrobial agents and is not appropriate for infected wounds. If the wound shows signs of infection, seek clinical assessment. The dressing is applied dry; the wound exudate activates the alginate gelling. A gel residue will remain on the wound at removal. Irrigate with sterile saline to clear this before applying the next dressing.

Calcium Alginate Wound Contact Layer

The calcium alginate wound contact layer is applied dry to the wound surface. When wound exudate contacts the alginate fibres, an ion exchange reaction occurs: sodium ions from the exudate replace calcium ions in the alginate, causing the fibres to swell and gel. The resulting soft moist gel conforms to the wound surface and maintains consistent wound contact throughout the wear period. The alginate gel also has inherent haemostatic properties, as the calcium ions released during gelling can assist with minor bleeding at wound surfaces. The gel holds together sufficiently to be removed as a manageable mass rather than fragmenting within the wound.

Foam Absorbent Layer

The foam layer above the alginate contact layer draws fluid upward from the gelled alginate and retains it within the foam structure. This two-layer absorption mechanism — alginate gel managing exudate at the wound surface and foam providing additional fluid capacity above — allows Biatain Adhesive Alginate to handle moderate to heavy exudate effectively across the wear period. The foam also provides cushioning over the wound site.

Integrated Adhesive Border

The adhesive border holds the dressing in place without requiring a secondary dressing for most wound locations. The narrow strip format means the adhesive border runs along the long edges and ends of the 3cm x 44cm strip, adhering to the intact periwound skin on either side of the wound track. This self-adhesive format is particularly practical for elongated wounds where applying and securing a secondary dressing across a long narrow wound site can be technically challenging.

Moist Wound Healing

The alginate gel maintains a moist wound healing environment at the wound surface. A moist environment is associated with effective cell migration and facilitation of the natural healing process. The alginate gel also provides a physical barrier that reduces dressing adherence to the wound bed, allowing the dressing to be removed with less trauma than dry wound contact materials.

Before Application

• Wash hands and use appropriate gloves.
• Clean the wound with sterile saline or as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Dry the periwound skin on either side of the wound. The adhesive border requires dry intact periwound skin.
• Do not pre wet the dressing. The alginate is activated by wound exudate.

Application

• Position the 3cm x 44cm strip along the wound so the alginate wound contact surface lies over the wound bed.
• The 3cm width should cover the wound width and the 44cm length should cover the wound length. Cut to a shorter length with sterile scissors if the wound is shorter than 44cm.
• Remove the release liner from the adhesive border and press firmly onto the intact periwound skin on both sides of the wound.
• No secondary dressing is required for most wound locations.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Removal

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline to soften the gelled alginate before removal.
• Lift one end of the adhesive border and peel slowly along the wound length, supporting the periwound skin.
• The alginate gel should come away with the dressing. Irrigate the wound after removal to clear any gel residue.
• Assess the wound at each change. If signs of infection develop, seek clinical assessment.

Biatain Adhesive Alginate 3cm x 44cm

Biatain Adhesive Alginate is available in a single size of 3cm x 44cm. The narrow strip format reflects its intended use for elongated wounds where the 3cm width and 44cm length provide appropriate wound contact along the wound track. The dressing can be cut to a shorter length using sterile scissors if the wound is shorter than 44cm, cut cleanly and apply with the cut end covered by the adhesive border where possible.

For wider wounds where a 3cm width does not provide adequate coverage, or for wounds where a square or larger format is clinically more appropriate, other wound contact dressings within the Biatain range or the ALGISITE M and ALGISITE Ag range may be more appropriate. Seek clinical guidance on the most suitable format for specific wound dimensions.

Do Not Use Biatain Adhesive Alginate If

• The patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the adhesive border, calcium alginate, or any component of the dressing.
• The wound is infected - the dressing contains no antimicrobial agents.
• The wound is dry or minimally exuding. Calcium alginate requires wound exudate to activate gelling. On dry wounds the alginate will not gel effectively and may adhere to the wound surface.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or reapply.
• Use with caution on fragile periwound skin where adhesive borders may cause trauma at removal.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place. Remove before MRI procedures.
• Reassess at each change. If signs of infection develop, switch to an antimicrobial dressing and seek clinical assessment.

Adverse Effects

• Skin sensitivity or stripping at the adhesive border, particularly on fragile periwound skin.
• Wound desiccation if exudate falls significantly. Reassess dressing choice.
• Alginate adherence to the wound if the dressing dries out before removal. Irrigate thoroughly with saline before removal.

Biatain Adhesive Alginate Is Suitable For

• Moderately to heavily exuding clean elongated wounds where the 3cm x 44cm strip format provides appropriate wound contact and the adhesive border holds the dressing without secondary fixation
• Fistula openings and narrow wound tracks where a 3cm wide strip follows the wound contour more closely than a square or larger sheet dressing
• Post operative elongated wound sites with moderate to heavy exudate during the active healing phase
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

The Biatain range from Coloplast covers foam dressings in both adhesive and non-adhesive formats across a range of sizes and indications. Biatain Adhesive Alginate is the product within this range that uses calcium alginate as the wound contact material combined with the foam absorbent and adhesive border format. For wider or non-elongated wounds requiring alginate wound contact, alginate sheet dressings such as ALGISITE M (plain calcium alginate) and ALGISITE Ag (silver calcium alginate) are available in a range of square and rectangular formats.

Biatain Adhesive Alginate is a regulated medical device and does not require a prescription. It can be purchased directly through Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation. It is available in the single size of 3cm x 44cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks Biatain Adhesive Alginate alongside a comprehensive range of alginate dressings and wound care products. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate dressing format for a specific wound.

For complex wounds or wounds not healing as expected, seek clinical assessment from a tissue viability nurse, district nurse, or GP alongside your dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Store below 25°C.
• Keep in the original sealed packaging until immediately before use.
• Each dressing is individually sterile packed. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or compromised.
• Check the expiry date before use. Do not use after the expiry date.
• Once opened, apply immediately.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Dispose of used dressings as clinical waste in accordance with local guidelines.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy providing access to Biatain Adhesive Alginate alongside the full Biatain range, ALGISITE alginate dressings, and a comprehensive selection of wound care products. All products are genuine and sourced through regulated supply chains.

Our pharmacists are available to advise on dressing format selection for specific wound types and dimensions, and on when clinical referral is appropriate.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Adhesive Alginate — Instructions for Use. Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products — Drug Tariff prescribing and selection. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
4. NHS. Pressure sores (pressure ulcers). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pressure-sores. Accessed May 2026.