What to buy with 3M Steri-strip?
How to apply 3M Steri-Strip Skin Closure Strips?
Step 1.Clean and dry skin at least two inches around wound. If enhanced strip adhesion is desired, a thin layer of 3M Steri-Strip Compound Benzoin Tincture (CBT) may be applied on skin up to wound edge. If distention or movement is anticipated, consider using 3M Steri-Strip Elastic Skin Closures
Step 2.Peel back package tabs to access the sterile Steri-Strip closures. Remove card, using sterile precautions as necessary. Bend card at end perforation and gently remove tab.
Step 3.Grasp end of skin closure with forceps or gloved hand; lift straight upward (90 degree angle). Steri-Strip closures lifted at a lesser angle or directly back on themselves may curl, complicating handling
Step 4.
Wound closure generally starts at the middle of the wound. Steri-Strip closures must be applied without tension. Do not stretch or strap Steri-Strip closures. Apply one-half of first Steri-Strip closure to wound margin and press firmly in place.
Step 5.Using fingers or forceps, appose skin edges as closely as possible. Press free half of Steri-Strip closure firmly on other side of wound.
Step 6.The rest of the wound should be closed with additional Steri-Strip closures spaced approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) apart by:
(a) sequentially bisecting remaining length of wound with Steri-Strip closures (b) applying Steri-Strip closures 1/8 inch apart until edges are completely approximated. If edges are not accurately apposed, remove Steri-Strip closures over affected area (peeling each side towards wound) and reapproximate wound.
Step 7.Additional Steri-Strip closures may be applied parallel to wound, approximately 1/2 inch in from ends (cross stays, railroad tracks). This may reduce stress beneath the ends of Steri-Strip closures decreasing risk of skin tension blisters and premature lifting of Steri-Strip closures.
3M Steri-Strip Closure Strips Removal
Step 1. Remove cross stays. Gently grasp and loosen ends of 3M Steri-Strip closure.
Step 2. Stabilize the skin with one finger. Remove Steri-Strip closure low and slow towards wound, keeping it close to skin surface and pulled back over itself. Removing Steri-Strip closure at an angle will pull at the epidermis increasing risk of mechanical trauma.
Step 3. As the Steri-Strip closure is removed, continue moving finger as necessary, supporting newly exposed skin. When both sides of the Steri-Strip closure are completely loosened, lift strip up from center of wound.
3M Steri-Strip Adhesive Skin Closure Strips User Manual
3M Steri-Strip Adhesive Skin Closure Strips FAQs