What is Arista AH and how does it promote hemostasis?

• A. Arista AH is a sterile absorbable plant-based starch hemostatic powder that absorbs blood and provides a physical matrix concentrating platelets and coagulation factors at the bleeding site.
• B. Arista AH is a non-absorbable metal clip used for mechanical hemostasis.
• C. Arista AH is a liquid sealant that chemically bonds to tissue to stop bleeding.
• D. Arista AH is a topical antibiotic cream used to prevent infection.

Answer: (A)

Arista AH is a sterile, absorbable, plant-based starch hemostatic powder. When applied to a bleeding surface, it rapidly absorbs blood and forms a porous physical matrix that concentrates platelets and coagulation factors at the site. This scaffold supports the body’s natural clotting process, helping to form a stable hemostatic plug more quickly. Because it is absorbable, it is left in place only temporarily and is gradually reabsorbed by the body. It provides local hemostasis through a physical mechanism rather than chemical bonding or mechanical devices, making it suitable for oozing or diffuse bleeding where suturing isn’t practical.