How to use a medical pad towel
Dec 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
The proper use of medical drapes should follow steps such as checking the integrity of the packaging, identifying the correct placement and requirements, properly laying and securing the drape, timely replacement and maintenance, and standardized disposal after use. Medical drapes should be stored in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated environment, protected from direct sunlight and compression. For specific usage details in different scenarios, guidance from healthcare professionals should be followed to ensure compliance with medical protocols.
Under normal circumstances, the proper use of medical absorbent underpads should follow these steps: checking package integrity, identifying the correct placement and requirements, standardized laying and securing, timely replacement and maintenance, and proper disposal after use. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Check package integrity: Before use, carefully inspect the individual packaging of the medical underpad to ensure there are no damages, leaks, or stains. Verify the manufacturing date, expiration date, and sterilization mark on the package. If the packaging is damaged or the product has expired, replace it immediately to avoid using non-sterile or degraded pads.
2. Identify usage location and needs: Determine the placement of the underpad based on the clinical scenario—for example, placing it around the surgical site during operations, between the bedsheet and patient's body when caring for bedridden patients, or beneath a wound during dressing changes. Select the appropriate size to fully cover the required area.
3. Standardized laying and securing: When opening the package, avoid touching the sterile surface of the pad with hands. Lay the pad flat at the intended site and adjust its position for proper fit. If used on mobile body parts, gently secure the edges with medical tape to prevent shifting. Surgical underpads must be placed by healthcare professionals following sterile technique protocols.
4. Timely replacement and maintenance: Replace the underpad immediately if it becomes soiled with blood, bodily fluids, or if it becomes wet or torn, to maintain a clean and dry environment. For bedridden patients, it is recommended to check the pad every 4–6 hours and replace it as needed to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Proper disposal after use: Used medical underpads are classified as medical waste and must be placed separately into yellow medical waste bags. After sealing, they should be collected and disposed of by authorized agencies. Following disposal, hands should be washed promptly to prevent cross-infection from contact with contaminants.
Medical underpads should be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated environment, away from direct sunlight and compression. Specific usage details in different scenarios should follow guidance from healthcare professionals to ensure compliance with medical standards.
