BIATAIN ALGINATE AG

Silver calcium alginate dressings combine two well-established wound management mechanisms: the high-absorbency gelling properties of calcium alginate and the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of ionic silver. Biatain Alginate Ag is a silver calcium alginate dressing from Coloplast. The alginate fibres gel on contact with wound exudate through an ion exchange mechanism, while the silver ions released during gelling provide sustained local antimicrobial activity. Available in two flat sheet sizes (5cm x 5cm and 10cm x 10cm) and a narrow strip (3cm x 44cm) for cavity wounds. A secondary dressing is required. No prescription is required.

Biatain Alginate Ag is a regulated Class IIb medical device from Coloplast. It is a calcium alginate dressing with ionic silver incorporated into the alginate fibres. Calcium alginate is derived from the cell walls of brown seaweed. When alginate fibres contact wound exudate, an ion exchange reaction occurs: sodium ions in the exudate displace calcium ions in the alginate fibres, causing the fibres to swell and transform into a soft moist gel. The ionic silver within the fibres is released during this gelling process, providing sustained local antimicrobial activity at the wound surface.

Biatain Alginate Ag is available in three formats. The 5cm x 5cm sheet is suited to small wounds and confined sites. The 10cm x 10cm sheet suits moderate-sized wounds. The 3cm x 44cm narrow strip suits elongated wounds, fistula openings, and wound cavities where the strip can be packed into the wound depth to provide antimicrobial alginate contact throughout the accessible wound space.

All three formats require a secondary dressing for fixation and additional absorbency. The dressing is applied dry and activated by wound exudate. A gel residue will remain on the wound at removal and must be irrigated away with sterile saline before the next dressing is applied.

Biatain Alginate Ag is indicated for use on infected or at risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds including venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, cavity wounds, post-operative wounds, and other acute and chronic wounds where silver alginate wound contact is clinically indicated.

Biatain Alginate Ag is applied dry. Wound exudate activates both the alginate gelling and the silver ion release. Do not pre wet. A gel residue will remain on the wound at removal - irrigate with sterile saline to clear it. For the 3cm x 44cm strip used in cavities: pack loosely, always leave a retrieval portion outside the wound opening, and count strips in and out at every dressing change. Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration (argyria) of wound and periwound tissue.

Ion Exchange and Alginate Gel Formation

Calcium alginate fibres contain calcium ions bound within the alginate polymer structure. When wound exudate contacts the fibres, sodium ions in the exudate replace the calcium ions in a natural ion exchange reaction. This displacement causes the fibres to swell and transform from a dry fibrous material into a soft, moist gel that conforms to the wound surface. The gel maintains close wound contact throughout the wear period and provides a moist healing environment at the wound bed. The alginate gel also has haemostatic properties, as the calcium ions released during gelling can assist with minor bleeding.

Ionic Silver Antimicrobial Release

Ionic silver is incorporated into the alginate fibres and is released as the gelling process occurs. The silver ions act through multiple mechanisms: disrupting bacterial cell membranes, interfering with bacterial enzyme systems required for metabolism and replication, and preventing bacterial DNA replication. This broad-spectrum action provides antimicrobial coverage against wound pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species. The silver acts locally at the wound surface and is not absorbed systemically in clinically significant amounts.

Exudate Absorption

The gelling alginate absorbs wound exudate as part of the ion exchange process. This high absorbency capacity makes silver alginate particularly suited to moderately to heavily exuding wounds. The gel retains absorbed fluid, preventing pooling of exudate at the wound bed and reducing maceration of the periwound skin. A secondary dressing applied over the Biatain Alginate Ag provides additional absorbency to handle exudate that is not retained within the alginate gel layer.

Strip Format for Cavity Packing

The 3cm x 44cm strip format allows the dry alginate to be introduced into wound cavities, sinus tracts, and elongated wound channels where a flat sheet cannot be effectively applied to the full wound depth. Within the cavity, the strip gels in contact with exudate and conforms to the wound space, providing silver antimicrobial coverage and alginate wound contact throughout the accessible cavity depth.

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 gently.
• Do not pre wet the dressing. The alginate is activated by wound exudate.
• Select an appropriate secondary dressing before applying Biatain Alginate Ag.

Sheet Application — 5cm x 5cm and 10cm x 10cm

• Place the dry sheet directly on the wound bed, ensuring coverage of the full wound.
• Apply a secondary dressing over the alginate to absorb exudate and secure the dressing.
• Label with the date and time of application.

Strip Application — 3cm x 44cm for Cavity Wounds

• Introduce the dry strip loosely into the wound cavity or along the wound channel. Do not pack tightly.
• Always leave a visible portion of the strip outside the wound opening as a retrieval tag.
• Apply a secondary dressing to cover the wound surface and secure the accessible end of the strip.
• Document the number of strips used.

Removal

• Irrigate the wound with sterile saline to soften the gelled alginate before removal.
• Remove the alginate gently. For the strip format, retrieve by the accessible end and confirm full retrieval.
• Count strips out against strips in. Document in the care record.
• Irrigate after removal to clear gel residue. Assess the wound before applying the next dressing.
• For the 3cm x 44cm cavity strip: always count strips in and out. If the strip cannot be located or fully retrieved, seek urgent clinical assessment. Do not attempt to force the strip out if it feels firmly attached. Irrigate thoroughly and seek clinical guidance.

Biatain Alginate Ag 5cm x 5cm

Suitable for small wounds, digit wounds, and confined wound sites where a compact silver alginate wound contact layer is needed. A secondary dressing of appropriate size is applied over it.

Biatain Alginate Ag 10cm x 10cm

A versatile medium square size suitable for moderate-sized wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcer areas, and diabetic foot wounds with moderate to heavy exudate and infection or infection risk. The most widely used format for standard flat wound management within the Biatain Alginate Ag range.

Biatain Alginate Ag 3cm x 44cm

A narrow strip for cavity wounds, fistula openings, sinus tracts, and elongated wound channels where the strip can be loosely packed to provide silver alginate contact at wound depth. Must be packed loosely, with a retrieval portion always left outside the wound opening. Count in and out at every change.

All formats require a secondary dressing. The secondary dressing is chosen based on wound exudate level and clinical preference. A foam or absorbent secondary is appropriate for moderate to heavy exudate.

Contraindications

• Known sensitivity or allergy to silver, calcium alginate, or any component of the dressing.
• Do not use on dry or minimally exuding wounds. Alginate requires exudate to gel.
• Do not use in conjunction with oil-based topical products under the dressing.

Precautions

• Single use product. Do not reuse or resterilise.
• Silver containing dressings may cause grey or blue grey discolouration (argyria) of wound and periwound tissue. Expected, localised, and reversible.
• Review silver dressing use after two to four weeks. Step down to a non silver alginate when infection is no longer a clinical concern.
• Biatain Alginate Ag is not a substitute for systemic antibiotic therapy in spreading cellulitis or systemic infection.
• For cavity strip use: pack loosely, leave retrieval portion outside wound, count in and out at every change.
• Do not use MRI scanning with the dressing in place.

Adverse Effects

• Grey or blue grey discolouration from silver deposition. Expected and reversible.
• Skin sensitivity or irritation. Discontinue if persistent.
• Wound adherence if the alginate dries significantly — irrigate before removal.

Biatain Alginate Ag Is Suitable For

• Infected or at risk moderately to heavily exuding wounds including pressure ulcers, venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and post-operative wounds where silver alginate wound contact is clinically indicated
• Cavity wounds, fistula openings, and sinus tracts using the 3cm x 44cm strip under clinical supervision
• Wounds where the haemostatic property of the alginate gel may be useful alongside the antimicrobial silver - wounds with minor surface bleeding
• Adults and children under healthcare professional supervision

Biatain Adhesive Alginate is a 3cm x 44cm self-adhesive combination dressing with a calcium alginate wound contact layer, foam absorbent backing, and integrated adhesive border - no silver, and not suitable for cavity packing due to the adhesive border. Biatain Alginate Ag is a pure calcium alginate dressing with silver, available in flat sheets and a narrow strip for cavity packing, without any adhesive border. Choose Biatain Alginate Ag when silver antimicrobial management is the priority alongside alginate wound contact and when cavity use is clinically needed.

Biatain Alginate Ag 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 three configurations: 5cm x 5cm, 10cm x 10cm, and 3cm x 44cm.

Pharmacy Planet stocks Biatain Alginate Ag alongside Biatain Adhesive Alginate and the full Biatain range. Our pharmacists can advise on the most appropriate alginate format for a specific wound.

For complex infected wounds, cavity wounds requiring clinical oversight, 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 all three Biatain Alginate Ag configurations alongside the full Biatain range 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 silver alginate dressing selection and on when clinical referral for wound assessment is appropriate.

References

1. Coloplast. Biatain Alginate Ag — Instructions for Use. Coloplast Ltd. https://www.coloplast.co.uk. Accessed May 2026.
2. World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS). Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds: evidence, controversies and suggestions. https://wuwhs.net. Accessed May 2026.
3. Wounds UK. Best Practice Statement: Wound exudate — effective assessment and management. https://www.wounds-uk.com. Accessed May 2026.
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Wound care products — Drug Tariff prescribing and selection. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.