When shopping for medical tape, you’ll notice a plethora of options, each made from different materials. For those new to procurement in a medical setting, you’ll need to order some of each type of medical tape. As the video points out, each tape type has its own use and the skin type it’s meant for use with.
When dressing a wound on a patient with sensitive or at-risk skin, use paper tape or silicone tape. These two tape types gently adhere the bandage to the skin.
Paper tape offers a more breathable solution, while silicone provides a more suitable option for frequent bandage checks or changes.
Use cloth tape to adhere tubing to the skin or to hold in place a heavier bandage or other wound dressing. Foam tape works best for wound care that requires gentle pressure on the wound. It provides cushioning and absorbs liquids.
Transparent tape provides a water-resistant option that lets the medical staff monitor the wound without removing the covering. It can also hold tubes and catheters in place like cloth tape. Choose cloth if you need to hold a heavy tube or device in place on the patient.
Ultimately, medical staff choose the appropriate adhesive for skin based on the patient’s skin, any allergies they have, the wound type, and the weight of the tubing or device they need to secure. If you work in procurement, you’ll need to order rolls of each of these tape types for your medical facility. Each has its benefits, and a properly outfitted medical facility needs all five types of medical tape.
