Investigating the Effect of Zinc Chloride to Control External Bleeding in Rats

BACKGROUND Despite all progresses in surgical science, bleeding caused by traffic accidents is still a challenge for surgeons to save patients' lives. Therefore, introducing an effective method to control external bleeding is an important research priority. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to compare haemostatic effect of zinc chloride and simple suturing to control external bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this animal model study, 60 male Wistar rats were used. An incision (two cm in length and half a cm in depth) was made on shaved back of rats. The hemostasis time was measured once using zinc chloride with different concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, and 50%) and then using simple suturing. Skin tissue was assessed for pathological changes. Due to abnormal distribution of variables in Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS In all the groups, complete hemostasis occurred. Hemostasis times of different concentrations of zinc chloride were significantly less than that of the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Zinc chloride was effective to control external bleeding in rats.