QuikClot Combat Gauze by Z-Medica is the CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic agent that has been standard issue across U.S. military branches since 2008. Kaolin-impregnated, non-exothermic, and designed for wound packing in moderate-to-severe hemorrhage, QuikClot Combat Gauze is carried in IFAKs, squad bags, and emergency medical kits worldwide. MED-TAC International sources all QuikClot products directly from Z-Medica or its authorized master distributors.
How Does QuikClot Combat Gauze Work?
QuikClot Combat Gauze is a white woven gauze impregnated with kaolin, an inorganic mineral that activates Factor XII of the intrinsic coagulation cascade. When kaolin contacts blood, it dramatically accelerates the body's natural clotting process — concentrating clotting factors at the bleeding source within the packed wound cavity. Kaolin does not generate heat (unlike earlier QuikClot granule formulations), making Combat Gauze safe for wound packing without thermal injury risk. The mechanism is dependent on functional clotting factors — in patients with severe coagulopathy, hypothermia, or anticoagulant therapy, efficacy may be reduced compared to chitosan-based agents. The current CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic gauze list includes QuikClot Combat Gauze, Celox Rapid Gauze, and ChitoGauze XT Pro — all of which are available in MED-TAC's Hemostatic Agents collection.
QuikClot Combat Gauze vs. Other CoTCCC-Recommended Hemostatic Agents
| Product |
Active Agent |
Mechanism |
CoTCCC Status |
Notes |
| QuikClot Combat Gauze |
Kaolin |
Intrinsic pathway (Factor XII activation) |
Recommended |
U.S. military standard issue; non-exothermic |
| Celox Rapid Gauze |
Chitosan |
Electrostatic RBC aggregation (clotting-factor independent) |
Recommended |
Effective in coagulopathic/anticoagulated patients; 60-sec hold time |
| ChitoGauze XT Pro |
Chitosan |
Electrostatic RBC aggregation |
Recommended |
HemCon/Tricol product; widely used in international military |
What QuikClot Products Are Available?
Z-Medica produces QuikClot Combat Gauze in multiple configurations to serve different applications. The standard Combat Gauze (3"×4 yd Z-fold) is the military-issue format, configured for wound packing with a Z-fold that deploys smoothly from the package directly into the wound. The Combat Gauze LE (Law Enforcement) version is identical in formulation with civilian market packaging. QuikClot Bleeding Control Bandage combines hemostatic gauze with an integrated pressure dressing in a single unit — useful for civilian first responders and public access bleeding control stations. All Z-Medica products sold at MED-TAC are sourced directly from Z-Medica or authorized master distributors — no gray market, no counterfeit risk.
How Do I Apply QuikClot Combat Gauze Correctly?
Correct application is critical — the hemostatic agent must be in direct contact with the bleeding vessel. Steps: (1) expose and identify the wound source; (2) if the wound is actively spurting, press the end of the gauze directly onto the source; (3) pack the gauze tightly into the wound cavity, filling from the source outward; (4) continue packing until the cavity is firmly filled; (5) apply firm direct manual pressure for a minimum of 3 minutes (Z-Medica specifies 3 minutes for Combat Gauze); (6) secure with a pressure dressing (Israeli Bandage or OLAES). Do not remove the gauze during transport — reassess on arrival at definitive care. This technique is taught in Stop the Bleed, TCCC, and all CoTCCC-compliant hemorrhage control courses.
The Military Standard in Hemostatic Gauze
QuikClot Combat Gauze — CoTCCC-recommended, Z-Medica authorized, sourced direct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is QuikClot Combat Gauze the same as the original QuikClot granules?+
No. The original QuikClot granules (2001) used zeolite, which was exothermic — generating heat upon blood contact and causing thermal injury concerns. QuikClot Combat Gauze (introduced 2008) uses kaolin-impregnated gauze that is non-exothermic and safe for wound packing. The granule formulations have been discontinued for military and EMS use. When purchasing QuikClot products, ensure you are purchasing the gauze format — Combat Gauze, QuikClot Gauze, or QuikClot Bleeding Control Bandage — not any historical granule or powder formulation.
Does QuikClot Combat Gauze work for patients on blood thinners?+
QuikClot Combat Gauze works through the intrinsic coagulation cascade (Factor XII activation), which requires functional clotting factors. In patients on anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, direct oral anticoagulants like rivaroxaban) or those with hypothermia-induced coagulopathy, the kaolin-mediated mechanism may be less effective because clotting factor function is impaired. Chitosan-based agents (Celox, ChitoGauze) are clotting-factor independent and may perform better in these populations. The clinical recommendation for patients with known anticoagulation is to use chitosan-based hemostatic gauze when available. All three CoTCCC-recommended hemostatic agents remain appropriate for general use — the anticoagulation consideration applies at the margins.
What is the shelf life of QuikClot Combat Gauze?+
Z-Medica states a shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture for QuikClot Combat Gauze in original sealed packaging. The expiration date is printed on the individual package and the master carton. Once the sterile barrier is broken, the product is considered single-use and should not be returned to the kit. Inspect packaging at every kit inspection cycle — any pouch with a compromised seal, discoloration, or moisture damage should be replaced regardless of the printed expiration date. Store at room temperature, away from extreme heat or direct sunlight.
What is the Z-fold format and why does it matter for wound packing?+
The Z-fold format (accordion fold) allows the 4-yard gauze length to deploy smoothly from the sterile pouch directly into the wound with one hand, without tangling. In roll-packed gauze, the roll must be held in one hand while the other guides it into the wound — requiring more coordination under stress. The Z-fold design means the gauze emerges in a controlled, sequential manner from the package as it is guided into the wound cavity, allowing the medic to maintain direct contact with the bleeding source throughout packing. This feature significantly reduces fumbling and wasted time during high-stress application.
Can I use QuikClot Combat Gauze for civilian emergencies or Stop the Bleed?+
Yes. QuikClot Combat Gauze is used in civilian Stop the Bleed kits, public access bleeding control stations, EMS jump bags, and hospital trauma bays — not just military IFAKs. The American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed curriculum teaches wound packing with hemostatic gauze including QuikClot products. It is available to civilians without prescription or special licensing. Civilian use of hemostatic agents is legal in all 50 states. For public access bleeding control stations, the QuikClot Bleeding Control Bandage (hemostatic gauze + integrated pressure dressing) provides a simplified deployment format for untrained bystanders.
Related 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.
