A novel means to stop bleeding

For patients with a bleeding disorder, including frequent nosebleeds or a low platelet count, or who are on a blood-thinning medication, a new product can stop bleeding almost instantly, according to the claim of its manufacturer, Biolife, made at AAP 2005 National Conference and Exhibition. Quick Relief Powder (QR) works as a powder bandage, creating a scab around the wound to stop bleeding quickly and protects the wound from infection, irritation, and contamination.

According to information presented at Biolife's Exhibit Hall booth, in a clinical study the product had a 96% success rate for treating lacerations, nosebleeds, skin tears, and abrasions. According to that study, conducted at Venice Bon Secours Hospital in Florida,the bleeding stopped in less than 15 seconds in 70% of successful cases, and in 98% in less than one minute.

QR Powder is not metabolized by the body and is not biologically derived, and does not interact with medications. Like a natural scab, it falls off once the wound is healed. Biolife recently introduced a QR for nosebleeds, and QR Cuts & Scrapes for kids. QR is available over-the-counter and can be used to treat children at home and in a physician's office.

"I have many patients who come to the office with chronic nosebleeds and need in-office cauterization," said pediatrician Tom Gumprecht, MD, of Redmond, Wash. "For one to two weeks after cauterization, the cautery site often scabs and the scab intermittently sloughs. The nose bleeds when the scab sloughs until the area heals over with scar tissue to seal up the blood vessel. I give patients Nosebleed QR as first aid, to tide them over during this healing process, as well as providing them with other first aid tips for nosebleeds."