Quickclot Combat Gauze XL Hemostatic Dressing

Key Specifications

Product Overview

QuikClot Combat Gauze XL extends the proven kaolin hemostatic technology of the standard Combat Gauze into a larger, 2-ply format engineered for high-volume hemorrhage scenarios. At 4 in. wide versus the standard 3 in., and featuring a double-ply construction, it delivers significantly more hemostatic surface area per inch of wound depth. This makes it particularly valuable for large-cavity wounds — blast injuries with wide wound channels, high-velocity gunshot wounds, traumatic amputations, and scenarios where standard 3 in. gauze packing would require multiple products. Combat Gauze XL carries the same CoTCCC recommendation as the standard variant, uses the same kaolin impregnation (activates Factor XII), and produces no heat during use.

The packaged footprint is larger than the standard Combat Gauze (6.5 × 6.5 × 0.75 in. vs. 6 × 4 × 0.6 in.) — a consideration when fitting into standard IFAK pouches — but the additional hemostatic capacity is meaningful for penetrating trauma with large wound cavities that would exhaust a standard 3 in. × 4 yd. gauze. Military medics, tactical physicians, and mass casualty response teams often carry one XL alongside standard Combat Gauze to handle a spectrum of wound sizes. The 2-ply construction means the gauze provides dual-layer kaolin contact throughout the wound track, maximizing Factor XII activation surface area.

In an independent comparative study, large-format hemostatic products (including Combat Gauze XL) demonstrated better outcomes in high-volume hemorrhage models compared to standard-width gauze, attributed to the additional tamponade effect provided by more gauze material in the wound cavity. Combat Gauze XL is packaged in a vacuum-sealed pouch with multiple tear points for rapid access, contains an X-ray detectable strip for post-packing imaging, and shares the 5-year ambient-temperature shelf life of the standard product. For austere environments, mass casualty events, and trauma surgery support, Combat Gauze XL is the definitive large-wound hemostatic solution from the DoD's gauze of choice.

How to Apply

1. Expose the wound — cut away clothing if needed — and locate the primary bleeding source.
2. Open the pouch and remove the XL Z-fold gauze.
3. Press one end of the 2-ply gauze directly to the bleeding source and pack tightly into the wound.
4. Continue feeding the unfolding gauze deeply into the wound cavity, following all wound tracks and filling all dead space.
5. Apply firm, direct manual pressure for a minimum of 3 minutes (5 minutes for suspected arterial injury). Do not remove hands to inspect — maintain continuous pressure.
6. Secure with an emergency pressure bandage and prepare for transport.
7. Report time of gauze application to the receiving trauma team.

XL vs. Standard Combat Gauze

The XL variant is recommended for large-cavity or high-volume hemorrhage where standard 3 in. gauze would be insufficient. For the majority of penetrating extremity wounds where a tourniquet cannot be applied, the standard 3 in. Combat Gauze is appropriate. For blast injuries, large-exit GSWs, truncal wounds with wide access, or mass casualty scenarios where a single product must handle large volumes of hemorrhage, Combat Gauze XL provides the additional hemostatic material needed. Both products carry identical CoTCCC recommendation status, NSN eligibility, and are manufactured in the USA.

For full massive hemorrhage control kits or to compare all available hemostatic agents, see MED-TAC's hemostatic agents collection. Complete the kit with an IFAK built around reliable, CoTCCC-compliant components.

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.