A calcium alginate dressing contains silver alginate, so yes, they are the same thing. Calcium alginate dressings contain an ionic silver complex – silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate. Silver ions are released when they are touched by wound exudate. In other wounds, the leaking fluids stimulate the silver ions to release and aid in healing and preventing infection. Silver ions have natural antimicrobial properties and can prevent serious complications from chronic ulcers or other wounds.