HemCon Bandage Update

There is a new bandage currently being used on the battlefields in Iraq called a HemCon® Bandage that is made from the shells of shrimp. I queried our allergist as to the safety of this Bandage for the shellfish allergic, because the product is now being marketed to local EMTs across the USA. The response that our allergist received from the company is as follows:There have been no known allergic reactions as a result of using the HemCon Bandage since distribution began in 2003 and there have been no adverse effects reported in over 500,000 bandages shipped. HemCon Medical Technologies, Inc. has results from a shellfish allergy study conducted by its chitosan supplier which demonstrates that, out of 221 individuals with suspected hypersensitivity, including 8 individuals with known shellfish allergies, none demonstrated any dermal sensitivity when pricked with a chitosan test solution. However, since chitosan is extracted from the shells of shrimp, other shellfish and fungi, individuals with known shellfish allergies should exercise caution in the use of products containing chitosan.

Source: AllergicChild.com

I was wondering as well whether those chitosan bandages would cause a reaction/anaphylactic shock in those unfortunate individuals with a severe shellfish allergy. Supposedly not, but it might be a good idea to wear one of those medical allergy alert bracelets in the event of an accident.