3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closure

3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures are versatile adhesive bandage strips used to close small wounds. All 3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures are breathable and sterile, increase the tensile strength of the wound, and lead to less tissue trauma and better cosmetic outcomes compared to sutures and staples.¹

When to use 3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures

As a primary wound closure device for wounds from surgical incisions or fresh low-tension lacerations.
As a secondary wound closure device to reinforce skin integrity after early suture or staple removal.
As an additional wound closure device used together with suture or staple closures.

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Offer a cost-saving and cost-effective alternative to skin adhesives, sutures or staples.²
Allow for non-invasive application without needles, instruments or local anesthesia.
Improved wound healing and cosmetic outcomes.³
Help minimize infection potential.* 4,5,6

*When compared to staples or sutures.4,5,6

Step 1

Clean and dry skin 5 cm (2 in) around the wound.
Step 2

Peel back package across tabs to access the sterile 3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures.
Step 3

Remove and bend card at end perforation and gently remove tab.
Step 4

Grasp end of skin closure with forceps or gloved hand, lifting straight upwards (90º angle).
Step 5

3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures must be applied without tension. Do not stretch or “strap” the closures. Apply one-half of first closure to wound margin and press firmly in place.
Step 6

Using fingers or forceps, pull skin edges as closely as possible. Press free half of the closure firmly to the other side of the wound.
Step 7

Repeat steps 1 through 6 across the remainder of the wound with additional closures, leaving approximately 3 mm (1/8 in) between them.

Step 1

Remove cross stays and gently grasp and loosen ends of 3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures.
Step 2

Hold skin with one finger and remove 3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closures “low and slow” towards the wound, keeping it close to skin surface and pulled back over itself.
Step 3

Continue moving finger as necessary, supporting newly exposed skin. When both sides of the 3M™ Steri-Strip™ Adhesive Skin Closure completely loosened, lift strip up from centre of wound.

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Pepicello J, Yavorek H; Five year experience with tape closure of abdominal wounds. Surgery Gynecology and Obsterics, 1989, 169(4); 310-314.
Zempsky, W.T., Zehrer, C.L., Lyle, C.T., Hedbloom, E.C. Economic Comparison of Methods of Wound Closure: Wound Closure Strips vs. Sutures and Wound Adhesives. Int Wound J 2005;2:272–281.
Traub, A.C. and Quattlebaum, F.W. Cutaneous Wound Closure: Early Staple Removal and Replacement by Skin Tapes, Contemporary Surgery, 18: 1981.
Hirshman, H.P., Schuman, D.J., Kajiyama, G. Penetration of staphylococcus aureus into sutured wounds. J Ortho Res, 2:269-271, 1984.
Pepicello, J., Yavorek, H. Five year experience with tape closure of abdominal wounds.Surgery Gynecology and Obstetrics, 1989, 169(4); 310-314.
Edlich, R.F., Rodeheaver, G., Kuphal, J., Holl, J.D., Smith, S.L., Bacchetta, C., Edgerton, M.T. Technique of Closure: Contaminated Wounds. Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians, 1974, NOV/DEC:375-381.