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Gauze <\/strong>
Gauze is also referred to as Raytec, and in other countries is known as swabs. Gauze comes packed in groups of five or ten, bound with a paper band. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Laparotomy Sponges <\/strong>
These sponges are also referred to as lap pads, tapes, or packs. They all have the same radiopaque (X-ray detectable) thread in addition to a blue tag or tape sewn to the corner of each sponge. They are grouped into packs of five. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Dissecting sponges <\/strong>
Dissecting sponges have an X-ray detectable element incorporated into the weave and are self-contained. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Peanuts <\/strong>
Peanuts are small oval soft gauze sponges used for blunt dissection or for absorption in delicate procedures. They must be attached to a clamp instrument when in use. They come in packs of five. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Kidner dissectors <\/strong>
Kidner dissectors are tight woven cotton dental tape that forms a firm cylindrical roll. They also must attach to an instrument when in use and come in packs of five or ten. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Tonsil sponges <\/strong>
Tonsil sponges are soft, cotton-filled, gauze, ball-shaped sponges attached to a cotton string. They are packed in groups of five and come in varying sizes. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Compressed absorbent cottonoids (also known as patties) <\/strong>
These are small, square, and rectangular shaped, varying in size. They are made from compressed rayon or cotton. They are used to absorb fluid\/blood in delicate spaces or to apply a hemostatic agent on delicate structures. To locate them easily, t each has a radiopaque thread and a string attached. They typically come on a card in packs of ten. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Towels <\/strong>
Towels may be used for protecting viscera, but not universally. Towels become part of the count when they are placed inside the patient for packing or protecting viscera. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n (Phillips, 2020 & ORNAC, 2021)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Counting Sponges<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Sponge Counting Requirements <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n- Sponges to be used during the procedure must be radiopaque. This is accomplished by a barium thread woven through them. Some insertions use an RFID tag in their sponges and towels. <\/li>
- Sponges cannot be cut during the procedure as this increases the potential of losing a piece. <\/li>
- Sponges must be counted in the increment they came in as packaged. <\/li>
- Sponges must be counted twice before moving on to the next package to ensure there are no manufacturing errors. <\/li>
- Sponges must be opened and counted separately. <\/li>
- Laparotomy Sponges with a tape or tag need to be pull-tested to ensure they are secure. <\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n