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Prepping Tools and Gear Discussions (incl. reviews) => Emergency Medical Gear and Care => Topic started by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 04:39:28 PM

Title: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 04:39:28 PM
Anyone here heard of or used BleedStop powder ?

I wanted to get some opinions on it before I restock the boxes I have of it since a couple of them expired last year.

Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: majorhavoc on September 14, 2023, 06:07:08 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 04:39:28 PMAnyone here heard of or used BleedStop powder ?

I wanted to get some opinions on it before I restock the boxes I have of it since a couple of them expired last year.


It's a hemostatic (blood clotting) agent - probably calcium alginate or sodium something-something cellulose.  And no, it's not a gimmick.  It's available under a bunch of different trade names.  But my sense (and others with more EMT/medical experience feel free to correct me) is that it works best as a dressing that's been impregnated with the stuff, rather than a separate powder. 

For some people, serious wounds are all they prep for.  So they get a few Israeli bandages and call it a day.  But my philosophy is there are a lot of penetrating injuries between a boo-boo and a gunshot wound.  So instead of, or maybe ideally in addition to, an Israeli bandage, get some 3x3 or 4x4 hemostatic gauze pads.  You can then pile on as many of those as needed depending on the size of the wound.  Something like these (https://www.amazon.com/AllaQuix-Lite-Stop-Bleeding-Gauze/dp/B09FCGB8F1/ref=sr_1_6?crid=TEP5SEP4TE7M&keywords=hemostatic%2Bdressings&qid=1694731696&s=industrial&sprefix=hemostatic%2Bdressings%2Cindustrial%2C101&sr=1-6&th=1).

Just remember that once you control the bleeding, don't pull off that first layer of dressings when you're ready to bandage the wound. Otherwise, you're likely to dislodge the clot and the victim will start bleeding all over again.

[Reason for editing: "More" implies I have some EMT/medical experience, which would be a lie.  Don't listen to anything I say - I'm just some random guy on the internet. :clownshoes: ]
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 14, 2023, 06:17:58 PM
I have always had some in my fak. But of course have never used it. Major is right. It good combined with a bandage/gauze would most likely be best. Or at keast piur some in a wound. And bandage over it. 

I always keep alot of sterile gauze. That and thinner duct tape you can make just about any bandage you need. From tiny to larger. I have maybe two fabric bandaids. But that is my main bandaging supply - gauze and tape. I also carry leuko tape and mole skin. I forget the brand of clotting powder I have. But its a less popular one. As the cost was less. 
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: flybynight on September 14, 2023, 06:45:19 PM
I have several packages of Celox in every FAK in my packs .  Also an medium Israeli bandage  in both my GHB and INCH. And lots of gauze and tape. Nope never used any of it and hope I don't . But I'll always keep some in case Hope faulters
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 08:38:40 PM
So it's a good idea for me to pick up some more of this stuff ?

I'll have to check the local Walmarts and see if they still have it on the shelves.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 14, 2023, 09:02:47 PM
Quote from: flybynight on September 14, 2023, 06:45:19 PMI have several packages of Celox in every FAK in my packs .  Also an medium Israeli bandage  in both my GHB and INCH. And lots of gauze and tape. Nope never used any of it and hope I don't . But I'll always keep some in case Hope faulters
Celox is the one I have too. Its like the secondary name brand. Same stuff but half the cost. 

12_guage - you can get it in smaller packets. Which is fine. Shop around. 
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 09:53:16 PM
Quote from: Moab on September 14, 2023, 09:02:47 PM
Quote from: flybynight on September 14, 2023, 06:45:19 PMI have several packages of Celox in every FAK in my packs .  Also an medium Israeli bandage  in both my GHB and INCH. And lots of gauze and tape. Nope never used any of it and hope I don't . But I'll always keep some in case Hope faulters
Celox is the one I have too. Its like the secondary name brand. Same stuff but half the cost.

12_guage - you can get it in smaller packets. Which is fine. Shop around.

The packets I've got are each 20 grams, which is the only size I've seen BleedStop in. Not sure if they make bigger packs.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 14, 2023, 11:24:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 09:53:16 PM
Quote from: Moab on September 14, 2023, 09:02:47 PM
Quote from: flybynight on September 14, 2023, 06:45:19 PMI have several packages of Celox in every FAK in my packs .  Also an medium Israeli bandage  in both my GHB and INCH. And lots of gauze and tape. Nope never used any of it and hope I don't . But I'll always keep some in case Hope faulters
Celox is the one I have too. Its like the secondary name brand. Same stuff but half the cost.

12_guage - you can get it in smaller packets. Which is fine. Shop around.

The packets I've got are each 20 grams, which is the only size I've seen BleedStop in. Not sure if they make bigger packs.
Have you looked at Celox? Try that brand. There may be others. 
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 11:42:02 PM
Quote from: Moab on September 14, 2023, 11:24:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 14, 2023, 09:53:16 PM
Quote from: Moab on September 14, 2023, 09:02:47 PM
Quote from: flybynight on September 14, 2023, 06:45:19 PMI have several packages of Celox in every FAK in my packs .  Also an medium Israeli bandage  in both my GHB and INCH. And lots of gauze and tape. Nope never used any of it and hope I don't . But I'll always keep some in case Hope faulters
Celox is the one I have too. Its like the secondary name brand. Same stuff but half the cost.

12_guage - you can get it in smaller packets. Which is fine. Shop around.

The packets I've got are each 20 grams, which is the only size I've seen BleedStop in. Not sure if they make bigger packs.
Have you looked at Celox? Try that brand. There may be others.

I've looked at Celox, but that's not available locally. At least not at any of the places I shop at.

I know I can get it online, but I usually prefer to get things locally first if I can.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 15, 2023, 08:36:24 AM
Celox is:

QuoteCelox is a very effective haemostat granule. It is made of a proprietary composition which contains chitosan. Chitosan is a natural polymer extracted from shrimp shells and highly purified. Celox's composition is protected by 3 international patent applications.

Quote from: CeloxChitosan is a natural polysaccharide (polymer made of sugars) and has been shown to be broken down to basic sugars (glucosamine & n-acetyl glucosamine) by lysozyme, one of the body's normal enzymes. Celox™ does NOT use non degrading procoagulant minerals or nano particles such as kaolin, smectite or zeolite, which will remain in the body indefinitely unless completely removed.

So I'm assuming some other brands use non degrading procoagulant minerals or nano particles such as kaolin, smectite or zeolite. Which if they are non degrading, why do they have a shelflife. And sugar lasts forever.

:smiley_shrug:

I always thought there was some clay in some of them. Looking these up; kaolin, smectite and zeolite, they are in the clay family. Clay has a shelflife?



Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 15, 2023, 11:39:11 AM
I'm looking at one of the packets of BleedStop right now and there's a little deal after the warning about seeking medical attention if the bleeding doesn't stop that says "Product contains Amylopectin".

I wonder if that's why there's an expiration date on the packets ?
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 15, 2023, 11:48:07 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 15, 2023, 11:39:11 AMI'm looking at one of the packets of BleedStop right now and there's a little deal after the warning about seeking medical attention if the bleeding doesn't stop that says "Product contains Amylopectin".

I wonder if that's why there's an expiration date on the packets ?

Sugar, same but different from Celox brand. Do they have a percentage or is that the only ingredient?
QuoteAmylopectin is a water-insoluble polysaccharide and highly branched polymer of α-glucose units found in plants. It is one of the two components of starch, the other being amylose. Plants store starch within specialized organelles called amyloplasts



Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 15, 2023, 12:13:55 PM
Quote from: MacWa77ace on September 15, 2023, 11:48:07 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 15, 2023, 11:39:11 AMI'm looking at one of the packets of BleedStop right now and there's a little deal after the warning about seeking medical attention if the bleeding doesn't stop that says "Product contains Amylopectin".

I wonder if that's why there's an expiration date on the packets ?

Sugar, same but different from Celox brand. Do they have a percentage or is that the only ingredient?
QuoteAmylopectin is a water-insoluble polysaccharide and highly branched polymer of α-glucose units found in plants. It is one of the two components of starch, the other being amylose. Plants store starch within specialized organelles called amyloplasts





Let me see if I can find the box they came in and I'll check the ingredients. I doubt amylopectin would be the only ingredient, but you never know.

ETA: So I found the box, but there's no ingredient list anywhere on it. All it says is "Product contains amylopectin".

So I'm going to assume BleedStop is just repackaged Celox. Which for 6 bucks a two pack seems like a good deal to me.

Then again, I've never priced actual Celox so I could be wrong.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 15, 2023, 02:56:54 PM
Varying opinions on this stuff. But seems to work. Here are a couple sites of note. The first one claims Celox is used by the military. But so is Quikclot. Not much info in Bleedstop. But good reviews.

https://israelifirstaid.com/blogwhich-hemostatic-aid-to-choose/

https://tactical-medicine.com/pages/hemostatic-agents

A study between quikclot banages and bleedstop banages showed bleedstop was faster. For what thats worth.

I think either is fine. But its a little sus that no one seems to say whats in bleedstop. I'm sticking with Celox. 

Studies show plain pressure gauze will stop bleeding just as well as these powders. But the powders are faster. 
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 15, 2023, 03:02:50 PM
Celox claims it will clot arterial bleeds.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 15, 2023, 03:35:12 PM
If BleedStop is the same as Celox, I'm thinking maybe the ingredients are exactly the same or at least similar to Celox.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 15, 2023, 03:52:36 PM
they're most likely not the same but use the same idea of polysaccharide.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 15, 2023, 07:44:35 PM
Quote from: MacWa77ace on September 15, 2023, 03:52:36 PMthey're most likely not the same but use the same idea of polysaccharide.
I agree. Celox is for sure better. But again, none of this is necessary. Except in maybe very bad, last seconds type situations. But I carry Celox, isreali bandage, duct tape and a good amount of sterile gauze.

I would also look at expiration dates. I don't recall what it is for Celox.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 18, 2023, 08:58:56 AM
The expiration on Celox is ~2 years. I just checked.

(https://i.imgur.com/mmkj0kU.jpg)

These 'paks' are in my MAC MOD TCCC IFAKs.

Meds and TCCC card
Celox x2
Comfort pak
Sutures

Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 18, 2023, 12:50:22 PM
Thanks, Mac. Mines way older than 2 years. If anybody finds a good deal. Please pass it on. 
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 18, 2023, 04:03:35 PM
yeah, me too, last time I got these in a 6 pak on amazon for $16 [2.66 ea], now they are $26 for the same 6 pak. [$4.33 ea] :eek1:
They also have a 10 pak for $40. [$4 ea]

Walmart has the exact same size packet in a set of 3 for $31 [probably a reseller] and 'out of stock'.

the more i search the worse it gets. I might have to switch to dirt in a ziplock.  :smiley_shrug:


Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on September 18, 2023, 04:06:12 PM
Quote from: MacWa77ace on September 18, 2023, 04:03:35 PMyeah, me too, last time I got these in a 6 pak on amazon for $16 [2.66 ea], now they are $26 for the same 6 pak. [$4.33 ea] :eek1:
They also have a 10 pak for $40. [$4 ea]

Walmart has the exact same size packet in a set of 3 for $31 [probably a reseller] and 'out of stock'.

the more i search the worse it gets. I might have to switch to dirt in a ziplock.  :smiley_shrug:



Spit and some gravel. "Walk it off!". ;)
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on September 18, 2023, 04:12:04 PM
Rub some dirt in it.

Spray it with windex.

 :icon_crazy:
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 18, 2023, 04:42:04 PM
I'm actually headed to Walmart tomorrow for groceries (local grocery store prices are higher than giraffe balls), so I'll probably end up looking in the camping section for the BleedStop packs.

I just want to see if they're still being sold at Walmart and if the prices have gone up in the last few years. My guess is the prices likely have gone up, but to what extent I have no idea.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: flybynight on September 18, 2023, 10:04:25 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 18, 2023, 04:42:04 PMI'm actually headed to Walmart tomorrow for groceries (local grocery store prices are higher than giraffe balls), so I'll probably end up looking in the camping section for the BleedStop packs.

I just want to see if they're still being sold at Walmart and if the prices have gone up in the last few years. My guess is the prices likely have gone up, but to what extent I have no idea.
I always found it in the first aide section  by the pharmacy
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 18, 2023, 11:17:26 PM
Quote from: flybynight on September 18, 2023, 10:04:25 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on September 18, 2023, 04:42:04 PMI'm actually headed to Walmart tomorrow for groceries (local grocery store prices are higher than giraffe balls), so I'll probably end up looking in the camping section for the BleedStop packs.

I just want to see if they're still being sold at Walmart and if the prices have gone up in the last few years. My guess is the prices likely have gone up, but to what extent I have no idea.
I always found it in the first aide section  by the pharmacy


I'll have to check there as well. Back when I first bought this stuff, Walmart had it in the sporting goods/camping section.

ETA: The price on BleedStop at Walmart went up by 1 dollar. A two pack used to be $4.98 and it's now $5.98 (or around 6 bucks after tax). So not too high a price hike and I might pick up another couple packs as soon as I can.

I would've today, but I was moreso at Walmart for groceries and not medical supplies.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Z.O.R.G. on September 22, 2023, 08:25:49 AM
Quickclot was the one I saw first.  We watched a video where a (live) pig was cut open by surgeons on an operating table.  They nicked its aorta, put quickclot on it and flapped its skin back over it.  After waiting a few minutes, they pulled the skin back - the pig lived.  On the video they told a story about a soldier take a round in their carotid and having quickclot applied - they also lived.

The biggest concern voiced was that particles could get in your blood stream and lead to blood clots later.  Opposed to the immediate risk of bleeding out, I'd take that risk.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on October 01, 2025, 02:37:32 PM
Quote from: MacWa77ace on September 18, 2023, 04:03:35 PMyeah, me too, last time I got these in a 6 pak on amazon for $16 [2.66 ea], now they are $26 for the same 6 pak. [$4.33 ea] :eek1:
They also have a 10 pak for $40. [$4 ea]

Walmart has the exact same size packet in a set of 3 for $31 [probably a reseller] and 'out of stock'.

the more i search the worse it gets. I might have to switch to dirt in a ziplock.  :smiley_shrug:




I just ordered a 10 pack of Celox to refresh some TCCC IFAKs and a squad IFAK and am Building another IFAK.

Ordered this on the jungle website. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMQ1CZG5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title @ 3.25 per packet. Not sure if its the best price but pretty good at least.  :smiley_shrug: I hate inflation and the passage of time. The passage of time. You know, the passage of time when time passes.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Moab on October 02, 2025, 11:00:48 PM
Quote from: MacWa77ace on October 01, 2025, 02:37:32 PM
Quote from: MacWa77ace on September 18, 2023, 04:03:35 PMyeah, me too, last time I got these in a 6 pak on amazon for $16 [2.66 ea], now they are $26 for the same 6 pak. [$4.33 ea] :eek1:
They also have a 10 pak for $40. [$4 ea]

Walmart has the exact same size packet in a set of 3 for $31 [probably a reseller] and 'out of stock'.

the more i search the worse it gets. I might have to switch to dirt in a ziplock.  :smiley_shrug:




I just ordered a 10 pack of Celox to refresh some TCCC IFAKs and a squad IFAK and am Building another IFAK.

Ordered this on the jungle website. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMQ1CZG5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title @ 3.25 per packet. Not sure if its the best price but pretty good at least.  :smiley_shrug: I hate inflation and the passage of time. The passage of time. You know, the passage of time when time passes.
Ya. That passage of time is a bitch. She keeps stopping by and kicking my ass from time to time. Wish we could get her deported or something. Lol.

Most of my first aid and other core kits - fire, navigation, first aid etc. got stolen when I shipped 8 boxes from my previous location to where I am now. It wasn't so much the expense as it was the time and effort put into choosing and finding all that stuff. My basic survival USGi fannyoack is still with me. And has versions of those kits in it. So I had a backup. But need to start over now. 
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: ghostguy6 on October 18, 2025, 11:36:42 PM
Has anyone else here used kaolin powder on gauze pads? I have access to literal tons of medical grade kaolin. I even have access to have the container sterilized by radiation after its sealed so it will last a life time.

Unfortunately I have used it on my dog following an injury and it did work well.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: MacWa77ace on October 19, 2025, 10:45:42 AM
@ghostguy6 there are two main types of clotting agents, clay based [kaolin] and crustacean based sugar[ chitosan]

Both work.

I do the same thing. Gause or compressed gause and the powder.
Title: Re: BleedStop powder : Good idea or gimmick?
Post by: Uomo Senza Nome on October 19, 2025, 06:05:34 PM
On the years ago question, both products are made from Chitosan, which is a polymer extracted from shrimp and crab shells.