Medical gauze is a type of woven cloth that is generally used to protect wounds, absorb exudate, and cushion the wound. There are many different types of gauze that serve specific purposes. These include sterile and non-sterile gauze, non-woven gauze, and gauze wraps.
There are several uses for gauze. Sterile gauze is great for absorbing fluid from wounds, as well as prepping wounds and surgical sites. Non-sterile gauze is ideal for cushioning bruised areas of the body.
Sterile gauze is individually wrapped and is specially treated to resist bacteria. These properties make sterile gauze ideal for use on open wounds that are vulnerable to infection. Non-sterile gauze is more suitable for use on closed wounds that are not infected. Non-sterile gauze tends to be less expensive than sterile gauze.
Non-woven gauze is made from fibers that are pressed, rather than being woven together. This forms a tighter material, which increases absorbency. The non-woven pattern also tends to produce less lint than traditional woven gauze. Non-woven gauze is ideal for use as a primary dressing that comes into direct contact with your wound.
Gauze wraps, also called gauze rolls, come in long sheets that can be cut to the length you need. They are designed to wrap around body parts such as arms, legs, and the abdomen. Gauze rolls are kept in place with adhesive medical tape. This type of gauze is not very absorbent, so it is not typically used directly on wounds. Instead, it is used as a secondary dressing to hold primary dressings in place.
Please visit our blog for additional information on the different types of gauze.
