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What is 4x4 Gauze?
The term 4x4 gauze is used to describe a pre-measured square of gauze cloth, folded once in the middle, which surgeons and other medical professionals use during surgery or to dress wounds. Known for its open weave and airy quality, gauze is an ideal wrapping for burns and skin lacerations. The size of 4x4 gauze is 4 inches wide by 4 inches long (10.16 cm by 10.16 cm) after folding, and it can be sold in bulk or in individual sterile envelopes.
Gauze is an excellent material to dress a wound because it allows moisture to escape, but is also absorbent and soaks up excess fluid from the wound. It is also non-adherent, so it can be used as either a primary or secondary dressing. During medical procedures, 4x4 gauze is also often used by doctors to soak up blood and other fluids that come from penetrating the surface of the skin.
Usually woven from cotton and other fibers, gauze may also be made from synthetic fibers which are pressed together to create a solid piece of fabric. Gauze can be purchased in a variety of ways: on a roll, in ribbons or strips, or in precut sections like 4x4 gauze. When gauze is precut, it is often easier for a surgeon's gloved hands to grasp and maneuver in a particular way.
Gauze may be sterile or non-sterile. When it is sterile, 4x4 gauze is usually packaged as a pair of cloths inside a plastic or paper sleeve to keep it clean. Sterile gauze is more expensive than non-sterile gauze, costing three to four times as much. Non-sterile gauze is usually packaged and purchased in bulk since it does not need to be kept sterile.
The thickness of medical-grade gauze can vary, and is measured in terms of plying. In the textile industry, plying is the process of taking two or more strands of fabric and weaving them together. When six strands are used for the weave, for example, it is called 6-ply. The thickness of medical-grade 4x4 gauze is usually 8- or 12-ply, with the thicker gauze being more expensive.
Gauze can be pre-treated with any number of substances. Antibiotic ointments are often pre-applied to medical gauze, as are antiseptics. This pre-treatment is convenient, as many wounds require multiple dressings to be applied and re-applied during the healing process.
Dressings can be either moist or dry. Dry gauze dressings help healing wounds by breaking away the dried, excess seepage. Some doctors prefer a moist environment for wound healing, and might use wet gauze or pre-treated gauze instead.
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![Gauze is an excellent material for dressing a wound.]()
By: picsfiveGauze is an excellent material for dressing a wound. -
![Squares of 4x4 gauze are often applied to a wound and then secured with a wrap.]()
By: casanoweSquares of 4x4 gauze are often applied to a wound and then secured with a wrap. -
![Gauze may be used to cover a wound on someone's hands.]()
By: Light ImpressionGauze may be used to cover a wound on someone's hands. -
![Gauze pads are typically pre-cut and individually wrapped to ensure the dressings remain sterile.]()
By: Sherry YatesGauze pads are typically pre-cut and individually wrapped to ensure the dressings remain sterile. -
![Sterile gauze may be used prevent infection in burn victims.]()
By: vladansSterile gauze may be used prevent infection in burn victims.
Discussion Comments
Wow.. Thanks for letting the common people know about dressing the wounds themselves at home. I am from India and I want to take a first aid course online. Can anyone help me to find one?
Gauze is definitely required for wound care. I find that the 4x4 ones are large enough to cover most wounds and small enough that they are easy to deal with.
All of them are not good quality though. Some are thin and don't absorb enough liquid. Price is also an important factor. I purchased 4x4 gauze online last time and I'm happy with them. They are thick enough but continue to let skin breathe. I think that's important for healing.
Also, when shopping for one, it's important to make sure that they are sterile. There are actually non-sterile ones being sold. People use gauze for all sorts of random things. But for medical use, only the sterile ones should be used. I actually clean my wound with gauze and antiseptic solution as well. And I always wash my hands before changing dressing to avoid an infection.
@bluedolphin-- I think that 4x4 gauze is necessary. Although a gauze roll is important too, you will need something to pack and dress wounds and the 4x4 gauze pads work great. When they are applied along with pressure, bleeding can be stopped and the gauze will soak up any excess discharge. You will also need the gauze roll or tape to keep it in place. So I think that this needs to be in your first aid kit.
I'm putting together a first aid kit for our home and car. I've already bought cotton gauze rolls. Do I also need 4x4 gauze pads? I feel like the gauze roll will be enough but I don't want to miss anything if it's really necessary.
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