Surgical drapes are used to prepare and maintain a sterile field to minimize the risk of infection and increase desirable patient outcomes. They provide a barrier between the sterile equipment and the sterile field within and around the operating site.

They are used in a variety of medical procedures including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and surgical intervention. They can be reusable or disposable and come in cloth, paper or plastic adhesive styles.

Drapes are manufactured from an antimicrobial-resistant, moisture-impermeable, lint-free fabric to limit the likelihood of lint entering the wound. Lint can trigger amplified inflammation and promote the formation of blood clots, granuloma formation, poor-quality wound healing, and other complications.

When choosing a surgical drape, keep in mind the type of application and patient population. Non-fenestrated surgical drapes surround the surgical site, while fenestrated surgical drapes have openings (or windows) that enable the surgeon to work within a precise field.

3M(tm) Surgical Drapes Support Infection Prevention in the Operating Room

During invasive procedures, it is critical to maintain a sterile environment. This can increase the likelihood of desirable patient outcomes and reduce recovery time. Surgical drapes are utilized by nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals to create barriers between the sterile equipment, their working areas, and the sterile field they maintain within and around the operating site.