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Understanding the Different Types of Medical Tapes

Every year, 6.5 million people are affected by non-healing chronic wounds in the US, with more than $25 billion spent annually.

With the rising costs of healthcare, an aging population, coupled with the growth in diabetes and obesity, there are growing concerns regarding the ability to provide wound care that is both financially responsible and effective. Ensuring quality care while maintaining equity poses a significant challenge in today's health landscape.

Our skin, being a living organ, varies from person to person in its properties, which makes the selection of appropriate medical tape critical for effective treatment. Understanding skin health and the different varieties of medical tapes available aids healthcare professionals in fulfilling patient needs throughout the treatment continuum.

For over 30 years, Dukal has been a frontrunner in the US healthcare market, specializing in the development and manufacturing of medical supplies. Our distinct advantage lies in our extensive expertise in global logistics, quality and regulatory compliance, as well as our commitment to innovation in healthcare.

As a reliable partner, Dukal diligently pursues success by utilizing advanced manufacturing and supply chain methodologies that enhance both your brand and financial performance. Collaborating with Dukal allows customers to streamline expenditures, maintain or enhance quality, and improve fill rates within the offered categories.

In this article we will cover: '

• What are the most common medical tapes?

• What is medical tape used for?

• Different Types of Medical Tapes

  • What is paper medical tape?

  • What is cloth medical tape?

  • What is transparent medical tape?

  • What is waterproof medical tape?

  • What is retention medical tape?

• Common Medical Tape Questions

  • Why would someone need short roll tapes?

  • Does medical tape contain latex?

Selecting the Right Medical Tape

Choosing the appropriate medical tape involves assessing the patient's skin integrity and the intended application of the tape under varied environmental conditions.

Ask yourself:

• What is the patient's skin integrity? Is it resilient enough for strong adhesives?
   
• Must the tape be conforming? Will it serve for tubing, an IV, or a catheter?
   
• Will the tape come in contact with water?

What are the most common medical tapes?

• Cloth
• Paper
• Transparent

What is medical tape used for?

Often referred to as surgical tapes, medical tapes are utilized to secure gauze, tubing, or additional dressings onto the skin.

Different Types of Medical Tapes

What is paper medical tape?

Paper medical tape is lightweight and made from microporous materials, making it suitable for delicate or geriatric skin. It is gentle and does not damage sensitive wounds.

• Designed for delicate skin, the least aggressive option
• Conveniently easy to tear

View paper medical tapes

What is cloth medical tape?

Cloth medical tape is versatile and durable. It features a gentle adhesive with minimal residue, designed for easy tearing, even while wearing gloves.

• A robust cloth tape for strength
• Easy to tear without needing scissors
• Gentle adhesive minimizes residue on the skin

View cloth medical tapes

What is transparent medical tape?

This tape is porous and transparent, providing bi-directional tearing. It molds and stretches to accommodate movement, making it ideal for IV sites, dressings, and securing tubing.

• Soft and flexible, ideal for complex application areas
• Transparent for enhanced skin visibility
• Provides light compression without restricting blood flow
• Perforated for improved breathability and ease of tearing

View transparent medical tapes

What is waterproof medical tape?

This tape is commonly used in the industrial safety sector and first aid kits, featuring a more aggressive adhesive while maintaining self-tearing properties for straightforward application.

• Highly aggressive adhesive
• Self-tearing for easy use

View waterproof medical tapes

What is retention medical tape?

Retention tape is soft and flexible, perfect for areas that are challenging to tape. It offers light compression without constricting blood flow and includes perforations for usability. A printed grid on the liner simplifies wound assessment and allows for easy liner removal, even with gloves on.

Goto SCICO CARE to know more.

View retention medical tapes

Common Medical Tape Questions

Why would someone need short roll tapes?

Single-use rolls of high-quality tape contribute to the safe and sanitary treatment of patients. They provide the perfect portion for securing dressings, IV sites, or tubes.
 

Does medical tape contain latex?

All Dukal tapes are manufactured without natural rubber latex.

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