How to use disposable sterile medical pads

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

Sterile single-use medical pads are generally used in scenarios such as surgical procedures, wound care, examination protection, equipment isolation, and surface padding. During surgical procedures: the pad is placed on the surface of the operating table to create a sterile field, covering non-operative areas of the patient to prevent direct skin contact with the table surface, reduce contamination risk, and ensure the surgical environment meets sterile requirements.

Sterile medical pads for single use are generally used in scenarios such as surgical procedures, wound care, protective examinations, equipment isolation, and surface padding. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Surgical procedures: Place the pad on the surface of the operating table to create a sterile field, covering non-surgical areas of the patient's body. This prevents direct skin contact with the table surface, reduces contamination risks, and ensures the surgical environment meets sterile requirements.

2. Wound care: After cleaning the wound, place the medical pad around the affected area to absorb exudate and maintain dryness. This helps prevent bodily secretions from contaminating clothing or bed linens, reduces the risk of bacterial growth, and promotes healing.

3. Protective examinations: During invasive examinations such as gynecological or proctological exams, place the pad on the examination bed or treatment chair to isolate the patient from the equipment surface, preventing cross-contamination and protecting the health and safety of both patient and practitioner.

4. Equipment isolation: When medical devices such as monitor probes or ultrasound transducers need to contact the patient’s skin, placing a sterile medical pad between acts as a barrier. This blocks pathogen transmission, extends equipment service life, and reduces cleaning difficulty.

5. Surface padding: When storing sterile instruments or dressings, lay the medical pad underneath as a base layer to prevent direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. This maintains sterility of the items, facilitates access, and complies with procedural standards.

Prior to use, check the package seal integrity and expiration date; avoid touching the inner surface when opening the package. Fully unfold and ensure the pad lies flat and conforms well to the contact surface during placement. After use, dispose of according to medical waste classification guidelines; reuse is strictly prohibited.

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Which is better: sterile medical pads or regular sanitary napkins?

Sterile medical drapes are more suitable for medical settings or when the skin is sensitive and delicate. They are ideal for medical-related situations, such as post-surgical recovery, after gynecological examinations, or when the skin has wounds or infections. Their sterile nature helps reduce bacterial growth and lowers the risk of infection. Additionally, they are typically made from gentle, non-irritating materials that are suitable for sensitive and vulnerable skin, providing better protection for local skin health.

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Can sterile medical pads replace sanitary napkins?

Under normal circumstances, sterile medical pads can be used as substitutes for sanitary napkins. Hands should be cleaned before use, and care should be taken to avoid touching the skin-contacting side of the pad. Pads should be changed promptly according to menstrual flow to prevent bacterial growth from prolonged use. Store in a dry, clean environment, avoiding direct sunlight and contamination. If discomfort such as skin itching, redness, or swelling occurs during use.

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Is a sterile medical pad a Class I medical device?

In general, sterile medical pads are classified as medical devices (classified under "器械字号"). Wash hands before use, and after opening the package, avoid touching the side that will contact the wound surface. Replace promptly according to the usage scenario and needs to prevent reduced effectiveness from prolonged use. Unopened products should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, avoiding compression and damp environments.

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Is a sterile medical pad towel clean?

Sterile medical pads must undergo rigorous sterilization during production and are packaged in sealed containers to prevent external contamination. Provided the packaging remains intact and has not exceeded its expiration date, the surface of the pad is free from microorganisms, dust, impurities, and other contaminants. This meets the stringent cleanliness requirements for medical settings and allows direct use in wound care or medical procedures.