Surgical tape

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Albupore surgical tape, similar to Micropore Albupore surgical tape.jpg
Albupore surgical tape, similar to Micropore

Surgical tape or medical tape is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape [1] used in medicine and first aid to hold a bandage or other dressing onto a wound. These tapes usually have a hypoallergenic adhesive which is designed to hold firmly onto skin, dressing materials, and underlying layers of tape, but to remove easily without damaging the skin. [2] They allow air to reach the skin ("breathable"). Some breathable tapes such as kinesiology tape, and other elastic bandages with adhesive are made of cotton. Surgical tape is often white because it contains zinc oxide, which is added to help prevent infections. Tapes made of porous material, such as 3M Micropore, are widely used.

Contents

History

Primitive surgical tape, or sparadrapum probably consisted of strips of cloth impregnated with some type of plaster or sticky gum, which was applied over gauzes or wound dressings to hold them in place. Plaster casts over fractures were sometimes called "Spanish dressings"

In the Middle Ages an Italian a description appears in the thirteenth century, where surgical tape was recorded as sparadrappo, although there were some variations of spelling. In French it first appears in 1314 as speradrapu , and in Spanish it was documented as espadrapo around 1495.

Linguistically it is possible that in European Romance languages: [3]

Types of surgical tape

Adhesive surgical paper tape Adhesive surgical paper tape.jpg
Adhesive surgical paper tape

There are many types of surgical tape classified according to the material of which the tape itself is constituted and the qualities of the applied adhesive, which should be hypoallergenic.

The most common types are either fragile tape (such as paper, which tears easily) or tear-resistant (often fabric or plastic) and some of these may also be either waterproof or breathable or both water-resistant and partly-porous, allowing some limited passage of air and moisture. A bandage should have appropriate adhesive power and be breathable and at the same time impermeable, easy to remove without irritating the skin and resistant to extreme temperatures, aging and solar radiation. Surgical tapes for medical use are subject to the requirements contained in internationally recognized standards such as the ASTM International ASTM PSTC / 6 standard. [4]

Features

Some features of surgical tape dressings include:

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">First aid kit</span> Collection of supplies and equipment that is used to give medical treatment

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bandage</span> Material used to support a medical dressing or injured body part

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collodion</span> Flammable, syrupy solution of nitrocellulose in ether and alcohol

Collodion is a flammable, syrupy solution of nitrocellulose in ether and alcohol. There are two basic types: flexible and non-flexible. The flexible type is often used as a surgical dressing or to hold dressings in place. When painted on the skin, collodion dries to form a flexible nitrocellulose film. While it is initially colorless, it discolors over time. Non-flexible collodion is often used in theatrical make-up. Collodion was also the basis of most wet-plate photography until it was superseded by modern gelatin emulsions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adhesive bandage</span> Small self-adhesive medical dressing

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orthopedic cast</span> Medical aid for the treatment of bone fractures

An orthopedic cast, or simply cast, is a shell, frequently made from plaster or fiberglass, that encases a limb to stabilize and hold anatomical structuresmost often a broken bone, in place until healing is confirmed. It is similar in function to a splint.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electrical tape</span> Adhesive electrical insulation

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waterproofing</span> Process of making an object or structure waterproof or water-resistant

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dressing (medicine)</span> Sterile pad or compress applied to wounds

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adhesive tape</span> Strip of material backed with adhesive

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Tape or Tapes may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wound closure strip</span> Porous surgical tape used for closing small wounds

Wound closure strips are porous surgical tape strips which can be used to close small wounds. They are applied across the laceration in a manner which pulls the skin on either side of the wound together. Wound closure strips may be used instead of sutures (stitches) in some injuries, because they lessen scarring and are easier to care for.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shikkui</span> Plastering material

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Athletic taping</span>

Athletic taping is the process of applying tape directly to the skin or over pre-wrap in order to maintain a stable position of bones and muscles during athletic activity. It is a procedure that uses athletic tape, attached to the skin, to physically hold muscles or bones at a certain position. This reduces pain and aids recovery. Taping is usually used to help recover from overuse and other injuries.

Eye injuries during general anaesthesia are reasonably common if care is not taken to prevent them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pressure-sensitive tape</span> Type of adhesive

Pressure-sensitive tape or pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is an adhesive tape that will stick with application of pressure, without the need for a solvent or heat for activation. It is known also in various countries as self-stick tape, sticky tape, or just adhesive tape and tape, as well as genericized trademarks, such as Sellotape, Durex (tape), Scotch tape, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medical textiles</span> Textiles for medical and healthcare use

Medical textiles are numerous fiber-based materials intended for medical purposes. Medical textile is a sector of technical textiles that emphasizes fiber-based products used in health care applications such as prevention, care, and hygiene. The spectrum of applications of medical textiles ranges from simple cotton bandages to advanced tissue engineering. Common examples of products made from medical textiles include dressings, implants, surgical sutures, certain medical devices, healthcare textiles, diapers, menstrual pads, wipes, and barrier fabrics.

References

  1. Farrar, David, ed. (2011). Advanced wound repair therapies. Woodhead Publishing. p. 254. ISBN   978-0857093301.
  2. Rutherford, Colleen (2009). Differentiating Surgical Equipment and Supplies. FA Davis. p. 63. ISBN   978-0803624122.
  3. Etimología de Chile: ESPARADRAPO
  4. ASTM STANDARDS ON Pressure Sensitive Adhesive tape

Further reading