CELOX RAPID Hemostatic Wound Packing Gauze

Key Specifications

Product Overview

CELOX RAPID represents the most advanced generation of Celox hemostatic technology. Its patented Chito-R™ formulation combines pharmaceutical-grade bioadhesive with high-grade chitosan derivative — a formulation that allows sufficient blood to penetrate the gauze layers and activate the bioadhesive bonding mechanism, physically sealing the bleed site and adhering to surrounding tissue to secure the gel plug in place. This dual-action mechanism — chitosan muco-adhesion plus bioadhesive tissue bonding — produces hemostasis faster and with reduced compression time compared to both standard Celox Gauze and CoTCCC-recommended QuikClot Combat Gauze.

Independent laboratory testing and field data demonstrate Celox RAPID's speed advantage. In a published comparative study, packing time with Celox RAPID was 12.8 seconds in the laboratory setting (vs. 28.3 seconds for Combat Gauze and 30.6 seconds for ChitoGauze). Hemostasis without any compression was achieved in 75% of cases with Celox RAPID vs. 38% with Combat Gauze. After 1 minute of compression, hemostasis rates were 83% (Celox RAPID) vs. 50% (Combat Gauze). Post-treatment blood loss for Celox RAPID (12.8 mL) was significantly reduced compared to Combat Gauze (31.9 mL) and standard gauze (44.7 mL) (p=0.05). Evacuation studies confirmed that Celox RAPID maintained hemostasis during casualty transport with no re-bleeding events.

The compact Z-fold format (3 in. × 5 ft. vs. the standard 3 in. × 4 yd. of Combat Gauze) reflects the higher density of the Chito-R material — shorter but denser, with the same effective wound filling capability. The reduced overall length simplifies and accelerates packing, particularly for narrow penetrating wounds. Like all Celox products, CELOX RAPID works independently of the clotting cascade, making it effective in hypothermic patients, patients on anticoagulants, and those with trauma-induced coagulopathy. Available in Tactical Dark packaging for low-profile operations and MARCH System Red for TCCC color-coded medical kit organization.

How to Apply

1. Expose the wound and identify the bleeding source.
2. Open the foil pouch and remove the Celox RAPID Z-fold gauze.
3. Place one end directly on the bleeding source and pack tightly into the wound, following the wound track.
4. Continue packing, feeding in the unfolding gauze until the wound is filled above skin level.
5. Apply firm, direct manual pressure for 60 seconds. If bleeding persists, continue pressure for an additional 60 seconds.
6. Secure with a pressure bandage. The bioadhesive bonding helps maintain hemostasis during patient movement.
7. Leave in place until the patient reaches definitive care. Celox RAPID may be left in position for up to 24 hours.

Comparison Context

QuikClot Combat Gauze remains the CoTCCC-recommended primary hemostatic agent (kaolin, Factor XII activation). CELOX RAPID — while not the primary CoTCCC selection for DoD — is widely used across NATO militaries, UK Special Forces, and civilian EMS as an alternative that achieves hemostasis faster with less compression time. The chitosan mechanism in Celox RAPID offers a meaningful advantage over kaolin-dependent products in anticoagulated or hypothermic patients. Many advanced medics carry both: Combat Gauze as the primary CoTCCC-compliant option and Celox RAPID for high-tempo scenarios where 60-second compression is operationally significant.

See the full range of hemostatic agents at MED-TAC, or build a complete kit with our massive hemorrhage control and IFAK collections.

All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.