In HVPC wound care, which polarity is commonly used in the early inflammatory stage to promote edema reduction and bacterial clearance?

• A. Positive polarity
• B. Alternating polarity every few minutes
• C. No polarity applied
• D. Negative polarity

Answer: (D)

In HVPC wound care, polarity directs how cells and fluids respond to the electric field, shaping the early wound environment. Using the negative polarity (cathode) over the wound in the acute inflammatory stage is workhorse practice because it helps attract and activate the key inflammatory cells—neutrophils and macrophages—at the wound site. Their activity is essential for phagocytosis and clearing bacteria, which is the primary goal in early inflammation. At the same time, the electrical field promotes improved microcirculation and lymphatic drainage around the wound, helping to reduce edema that often accompanies the inflammatory phase. This combination creates conditions that favor infection control and fluid management, setting the stage for progression to the proliferative phase. Other approaches, like alternating polarity or applying no polarity, don’t consistently provide the same level of leukocyte recruitment and drainage needed at this stage, while positive polarity is more commonly used later to support tissue formation rather than early infection control.