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?+
Does QuikClot Combat Gauze work for patients on blood thinners?+
What is the shelf life of QuikClot Combat Gauze?+
What is the Z-fold format and why does it matter for wound packing?+
Can I use QuikClot Combat Gauze for civilian emergencies or Stop the Bleed?+
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.