Abstract: An improved wound dressing composite is disclosed, having a membrane film wound dressing, a relatively stiff substantially planar carrier sheet with tabs, and a releasable cover. The film dressing has an upper surface, a lower adhesive surface and opposed side edges for application in a spread out disposition to a wound site with the lower surface adhered thereto. The film dressing, being relatively thin, is substantially unable to support itself in a planar configuration. The carrier sheet has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposed edges. The carrier sheet is releasably adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the film dressing in supporting relation for supporting the film dressing in a planar configuration, with the side edges of the film dressing and carrier sheet generally aligned in close adjacency.

Abstract: The specification discloses a sterile system and associated method for dressing vascular access sites in the skin penetrated by needles or catheters. The system includes a sealed container defining a sterile enclosure within which are provided dressing components including a sterile absorbent pad for being adhesively secured over the vascular access site to cover and protect the penetration area and the lead-in portion of the catheter tube, and a sterile adhesive strip for being adhesively secured to the skin of the patient under the tube as it emerges from beneath the pad, and between the skin and the pad along the edges of the pad in opposite directions from the tube exit location. The dressing components cooperate to engage the tube against lateral and longitudinal movement to provide a more secure infusion site. The system as a whole provides a more sterile, reliable and uniform dressing for vascular access sites.