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Understanding Surgical / Sterile Drapes & Towels in Operating Room Protocol

By Ozaann Healthcare Products – www.ozaannhealthcare.com

What Are Surgical / Sterile Drapes and Towels?

Surgical drapes are medical fabrics used to cover patients and surrounding equipment during surgery to maintain sterility. Sterile towels, often included in draping sets, are used to absorb fluids and protect the surgical site.

In simple terms, sterile drapes are the foundation of infection control during surgery.
They define the sterile field — ensuring no bacteria, fluids, or particles compromise the patient’s wound area.

Learn more: AORN’s Surgical Draping Guidelines

Types of Sterile Drapes

There are several types of surgical drapes depending on the procedure and level of sterility required:

  1. Disposable Sterile Drapes – Made from nonwoven fabrics like SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond) or spunlace. They offer single-use protection and reduce the risk of infection.
    (Alsco: Two Types of Surgical Drapes)
  2. Reusable Drapes – Typically woven from cotton or polyester blends. While cost-effective over time, they require strict reprocessing standards.
  3. Procedure-Specific Drapes – Pre-shaped or fenestrated drapes tailored for surgeries like cardiac, ophthalmic, or orthopedic operations.
  4. Sterile Drapes and Towels Sets – Pre-packaged kits that include both drapes and sterile towels for convenience and consistent sterilization.

In every surgical procedure, maintaining a sterile environment is critical for patient safety. Among the many infection control tools, sterile drapes and towels play a vital role. They act as a protective barrier between non-sterile and sterile zones — preventing cross-contamination and ensuring a safe surgical field. At Ozaann Healthcare Products, we specialize in manufacturing medical-grade sterile drapes and surgical towels designed to meet global hygiene standards.

Sterile Drapes: Fabric and Features

The fabric quality determines the effectiveness of the sterile barrier.
Common materials include:

  • SMS nonwoven – Fluid-resistant, breathable, and lint-free.
  • Laminated film drapes – For high fluid procedures.
  • Cotton-polyester blends – Used in reusable options.

Each drape is tested for bacterial filtration, fluid repellency, and tensile strength — key properties for infection control and patient protection.

Learn about surgical drape materials from Winner Medical.

Role in Operating Room Protocol

Sterile drapes and towels are a core part of AORN and WHO-recommended operating room (OR) protocols.
Their correct usage ensures:

  • Isolation of the surgical site from non-sterile surfaces.
  • Controlled sterile field for all instruments and staff.
  • Absorption of blood and fluids during surgery.
  • Reduced risk of postoperative infections.

Example: During draping, surgical staff must handle drapes only from sterile zones, maintaining distance from contaminated surfaces — a practice emphasized in NCBI Surgical Draping Guidelines.

Why Choose Ozaann Healthcare’s Sterile Drapes & Towels

At Ozaann Healthcare Products, our sterile drapes and towels are:

  • Manufactured in ISO-certified cleanrooms
  • Sterilized and packaged for immediate use
  • Customizable based on surgical types and dimensions
  • Designed with fluid-resistant materials for superior protection

We are among the trusted surgical drapes manufacturers in India, providing disposable sterile drapes, sterile drapes medical supplies, and customized OT drape sets to hospitals across India and abroad.

Conclusion

Sterile drapes and towels form the invisible shield between safety and infection in the operating room.
By choosing the right sterile drapes, hospitals can ensure patient safety, compliance with global hygiene standards, and surgical efficiency.

Protect every procedure — with Ozaann’s trusted sterile solutions.
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