Absorbent Cotton

Abstract

Absorbent Cotton also known as “Surgical Cotton” or “Cotton Wool” is made from well carded cotton fibers. It is bleached to get good white colour and softened. The sterilized absorbent cotton may be of slightly white in colour. The material should be of uniform quality and offer appreciable resistance when pulled. The average staple length of absorbent cotton is not less than 1.5 cm. It is called absorbent cotton as it absorbs fluids immediately. It should be soft in order to give maximum protection to the wound irritation. The main physical properties desired in a surgical dressing are inertness and lack of irritation during use. Absorbent Cotton provides these properties when manufactured according to certain standards. Raw Cotton is processed by a series of process and rendered hydrophilic in character and free from other external organic impurities for enabling it’s use in surgical dressing.