Which dressing is used to promote clot formation in bleeding control devices?

• A. Hemostatic dressing
• B. Normal gauze
• C. Elastic wrap
• D. Pressure dressing

Answer: (A)

Dressings that promote clot formation are designed to actively accelerate hemostasis by incorporating procoagulant materials that activate the clotting cascade or concentrate platelets at the wound site. These hemostatic dressings (often impregnated with agents like kaolin or chitosan) help form a clot more quickly when pressure is applied, making them especially effective for severe external bleeding. In contrast, normal gauze relies on direct pressure to slow bleeding without chemical aid; an elastic wrap or a standard pressure dressing mainly provides mechanical compression and stabilization, not active clot promotion.