Features of 3M Micropore Paper Tape
- Excellent for general-purpose taping
- Contains non-woven rayon and pressure-sensitive acrylate adhesive
- Holds well on damp skin for secure placement
- The Hypoallergenic adhesive is gentle to sensitive and fragile skin
- Allows moisture to escape without reducing adhesion
- Adheres well and leaves minimal residue on removal
- Lightweight and promotes healing
- A True breakthrough for patient safety and comfort
- Reliably secures devices and dressings to skin
- Non-sterile
- Radiolucent
- Latex-free
What is Micropore Tape used for?
- Securing ostomy appliances
- Taping fragile, at-risk skin
- Securing ophthalmology and other dressings
- When repeated taping is needed
- Securing small to medium dressings especially on damp skin
- Securing lightweight tubing
User Guides
Frequently Bought Together
How to use 3M Micropore Surgical Tape?
- Apply the tape evenly to a clean, dry surface
- Apply evenly by positioning and pressing down from the center towards the edges
- Optimize adhesion by firmly rubbing or pressing the tape backing. This will ensure that it stays in place
- Never apply tape under tension. This may induce skin trauma in the form of blistering or skin tearing
How to remove?
- Loosen edge of tape
Note: To start the edge, press a small separate piece of tape onto a corner of the piece to be removed. This serves as a handle for lifting the edge of the tape.
- Stabilize the skin with one finger at the peel line
- Remove tape "low and slow" in the direction of hair growth, keeping it close to (parallel with) the skin surface while pulling it back over itself.
- Pulling tape at a vertical angle (perpendicular) to the skin will pull at the epidermis, increasing the risk of MARSI.
- As tape is removed, continue to support the skin at the peel line
Note: For tape that is strongly adhered to skin or hair, consider using a medical grade adhesive remover or moisturizer to soften the adhesive along the peel line (peel edge).
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Storage and Shelf Life
- It is recommended to be stored under normal conditions within the temperature range of 59 - 86° F (15 - 30° C)
- It has a recommended shelf life of three years under these conditions
Can the 3M Surgical Tape be sterilized?
The following method was tested and proven reliable for sterilization and stable adhesion performance. It is tested with ethylene oxide residuals well within U.S. FDA guidelines:
- Strips of tape arranged over a suitable release surface, e.g., glass, stainless steel, silicone-treated paper
- Tape sealed in appropriate sterilization pouch or wrapper
- EtO sterilized warm cycle 55° C (130-145° F), minimum 1 hour exposure time (50% RH - 600 mg/liter, or equivalent)
- Warm cycle aeration (temperature not to exceed 55° C) for a minimum 20-hour cycle before use
Considerations while choosing a tape for Tube or Dressing Securement
I. Degree of importance of tube or dressing
- The more critical the tubing/dressing, the higher the adhesion required.
- Strength of adhesion and backing may be more important than gentleness.
- Gentle tapes with higher adhesion may be used without increasing the risk of skin trauma if properly applied and removed.
- Some tapes are less gentle but are used for high initial adhesion, high long-term adhesion and high strength of backing.
II. Surface characteristics
Skin Type
- Dry
- Damp
- Diaphoretic
- Wet: secretions, leaking tubes
- Weeping
- Macerated
- Oily
- Hairy
- Edematous
- Intact vs. impaired skin integrity
- Elastic vs. non-elastic
- Fragile skin (elderly, very young)
- "At-risk" (e.g., patient on systemic
corticosteroids, chemotherapy; malnourished)
- Flexing
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Dressing
- Material
- Weight
- Conformability
Device
- Contour
- Weight
- Material: metal, plastic, others
Tubing
- Diameter: small, large
- Texture: smooth, ribbed, other
- Material: PVC, silicone, other
- Weight
- Length
- Potential for drag or pull
- Other support (e.g., sutures, tunneling)
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- Heavy tubings require higher adhesion.
- Bulky dressings require high conformability and may require greater adhesion.
- Individual results may vary.
III. Activity level of patient
- The more active the patient, the higher the adhesion required
IV. Potential for skin surface distention or movement
- The risk of skin damage may be reduced by using tapes that stretch with skin distention or movement
V. Anticipated wear time
- Tape adhesion generally builds over time. Breathable tapes are used for longer-term wear
VI. History and current medical conditions
- History and current medical conditions should be studied e.g., allergies/ sensitivities to medical adhesives, medications, medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3M Micropore Surgical Tape?
3M Surgical Tape is a type of medical tape that is designed for use in surgical and medical procedures. It is made from a soft, breathable material that is gentle on the skin and is designed to hold dressings and bandages in place.
What is the material used to make 3M Paper Surgical Tape?
3M Micropore Surgical Tape is made from a non-woven polyester fabric that is coated with a hypoallergenic adhesive.
What makes 3M Micropore Tape different from other types of medical tape?
Micropore Tape is different from other types of medical tape in several ways. It is made from a soft, breathable material that is gentle on the skin and is designed to minimize the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. It is also easy to tear by hand, which makes it quick and easy to use in medical settings.
Is 3M Micropore Paper Tape waterproof?
No, 3M Micropore Surgical Tape is not waterproof. It is designed to be breathable, which means that it allows air and moisture to pass through it. This can be beneficial in some medical applications, but it also means that it is not water-resistant.
Is Micropore Tape suitable for use on sensitive skin?
Yes, 3M Micropore Surgical Tape is hypoallergenic and is designed to be gentle on the skin. It is suitable for use on sensitive skin and is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions than other types of medical tape.
Is 3M Micropore Tape suitable for use in children?
Yes, 3M Micropore Paper Tape is safe for use in children. It is designed to be gentle on the skin and is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions than other types of medical tape.
Can Micropore Surgical Tape be easily removed?
Yes, 3M Micropore Surgical Tape is designed to be easily removed from the skin without causing discomfort or skin irritation. However, it is still important to remove the tape gently and slowly to avoid causing any unnecessary discomfort or damage to the skin.
Can 3M Micropore Surgical Tape be used in conjunction with other medical products?
Yes, 3M Micropore Surgical Tape can be used in conjunction with other medical products, including dressings, bandages, tubing, and catheters. It is designed to be compatible with a wide range of medical products and is often used in combination with other medical products to provide comprehensive care to patients.
