Equicel® is prepared by oxidising a suitable form of cellulose, natural cotton. This is followed by additional processes in order to obtain a pure and high-quality form of oxidised and regenerated cellulose. It is strong and although a slight discoloration may occur with age, this does not affect performance. Equicel is immediately available for use in the operating theatre and does not require any sterilisation by dry heat or autoclaving. Equicel can be sutured or cut without fraying. The products are double packed, double sterile. Due to its neutral pH, Equicel does not inactivate thrombin. With Equicel, haemostasis is achieved within a few minutes. Once implanted into tissue, Equicel is fully resorbed, independent of the circumstances. In addition to its local haemostatic properties, Equicel is a proven bactericide in vitro against a wide range of gram positive and gram negative organisms including aerobes and anaerobes.