Sterility and Tapeless

STERILITY AND TAPELESS

Occasionally the question of sterility and the use of Tapeless dressing holders is asked.  Obviously the nature of the wound and any special circumstances under which the product is to be used is important, but even with this question, Tapeless demonstrates its versatility with no compromise in clinical efficacy.  Most wounds by definition are “infected” by their very nature and concerns about secondary wound dressings are in practicality, secondary.

First, Tapeless dressing holders are categorized as secondary wound dressings.  By FDA standards this means that the dressing is not to be directly in contact with non-intact skin (the wound).  The only real FDA requirement is that the product is manufactured under certain specifications for a class I product of this type, i.e., in a “clean environment”.  This sets certain air filtration and personnel requirements.

Tapeless becomes versatile in that it may be sterilized if the use merits.  Since Tapeless is a laminate incorporating a polypropylene plastic, anything with excessive heat should be avoided.  The product may be sterilized with ethylene oxide or radiation.  This is rarely indicated.  It is not however unusual for the user to want to “clean” the product, either for cosmetic purposes or to reduce the level of contamination.  If there are any concerns, discard the product since the product by this time has most likely already been cost effective by means of its re usability.  Tapeless has studies that prove that it may be washed and reused, surprisingly even unaffected by boiling water or a substance as harsh as pure bleach.  Studies have proven that there is 100% memory in the material with repeated washings as long as the product is air dried.


There are methods to minimize possible contamination, such as more frequent dressing changes, or using a thicker layer of the primary dressing until drainage decreases.  The issue of sterility and the use of Tapeless should be determined  case by case and should not be “painted with a broad brush”.

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