What is Povidone Iodine? If you have ever opened a first aid kit, you have likely seen a bottle of dark brown liquid. That deep amber color is the hallmark of povidone iodine. This substance is a powerful antiseptic that experts created by mixing two specific components. It...

What is an Alcohol Swab? An alcohol swab is a small, sterile, and cotton or non-woven fabric pad. Manufacturers of these pads soak them in a certain alcohol concentration. In most cases, they are soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. You will find them packaged in a foil packet,...

What is a surgical mask? A surgical mask is a disposable, loose-fitting face covering that covers your nose and mouth. It forms a physical barrier to things around it. It may filter out some of what reaches your mouth and nose. As well as filter out some of...

What Are Lab Tubes? Medical lab tubes, also known as specimen collection tubes, are small cylindrical containers made of glass or plastic that collect and store biological samples (such as blood, urine, or saliva) for laboratory analysis. These tubes usually have a vacuum seal and a colored cap...

Crepe Bandages Crepe bandages are woven cotton materials that are stretchy and are used to cover limbs and joints. They give support and compression to injuries without limiting the movement of the limbs. The crinkled cotton weave is breathable and washable, so it can be cleaned and reused....

What is an Oral Swab? An oral swab is a simple medical tool used to collect cells and fluids from inside the mouth. It usually has a small handle and a soft, absorbent tip made from cotton, polyester, rayon, foam, or nylon. The tip is gently rubbed against...

What is a suction catheter? A suction catheter is a thin, flexible tube that attaches to a breathing or tracheostomy tube. The opposite end connects to a suction machine and a collection container. It works like a straw, pulling out mucus, blood, or fluid from the airway. This...

While both are important protective clothes in healthcare, surgical gowns and isolation gowns are not interchangeable. Each garment type is for specific environments, levels of risk, and kinds of procedures. How they differ assists medical staff in selecting appropriate gowns for the protection of both patients and workers....

What Is a Basic Dressing Set? A basic dressing set is a small-sized wound care kit that contains the essential items required to clean, cover, and protect minor injuries. It is designed for simple procedures such as treating cuts, scrapes, blisters, or small burns-both at home and in...

A denture cup is a small container in which to keep and soak false teeth (dentures) when not in use. Most dentists are in complete agreement that dentures must be kept moist to retain their shape and not dry out. In practice, a denture cup is literally a...