Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does QuikClot® work?

A: QuikClot® works by providing a hemo-concentration effect in the blood that is exiting a wound. The body’s natural clotting process is accelerated by the increased concentration of platelets and clotting factors at the wound site.

Q: Does QuikClot® have FDA approval?

A: Yes. Z-Medica Corp. received 510(k) clearance to market QuikClot® over the counter. (Non-prescriptive) in March of 2002. The 510(k) number is k013390.

Q: How long can I leave QuikClot® in the wound?

A: QuikClot® adsorbs water in the blood, but it is not absorbed by the body. The product is intended for temporary external use to control traumatic bleeding. Granules should be removed when medical personnel are able to clean debris from the wound and repair damaged tissues.

Q: Are there any side effects?

A: The adsorption of water into the QuikClot® granules can cause an instantaneous release of heat called an exothermic reaction. The release of heat stops when the pores of the QuikClot® become filled, which, due to QuikClot®’s strong attraction for water, is only a second or two.

Q: Is there a chemical reaction involved?

A: No. The interaction of the QuikClot® and the water in the blood (called adsorption) is purely physical in nature. Upon application, QuikClot® rapidly attracts water molecules, and almost instantly the internal pores are filled. There are no chemical changes to the blood, the water, or the QuikClot®. Since the reaction is physical, not biological or chemical, there is almost no chance for an allergic reaction to occur.

Q: What care should be taken when using QuikClot®?

A: Following the package instructions avoids or minimizes the effects of exothermic reaction. It is important to use just enough QuikClot® to stop the bleeding that is present. Dry QuikClot® granules should be brushed away from the top of the wound area before applying irrigation solution. When removing QuikClot® from a wound, the volume of water used to irrigate should always be larger than the volume of QuikClot®. Flooding the QuikClot® granules rather than slowly applying small streams of irrigation solution minimizes the heat produced.

Q: What is QuikClot®’s shelf life and are there any special storage instructions?

A: An unopened pack of QuikClot® has a shelf life of three years. The only storage direction is not to leave a pack of QuikClot® in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If you cover the pack, there is nothing to worry about. QuikClot® is heated to 140-155 degrees F. during the packaging process and can therefore withstand high temperatures. QuikClot® can also be stored in temperatures below freezing.