Product Manual

3M
™
Steri-Strip
™
Adhesive Skin Closures—Skin Closure Application
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.
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.
*Avoid contacting wound with CBT as it may impair
wound healing.
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
or
(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.
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.
Tip: If tension is noted under
Steri-Strip skin closures, they may
be replaced under the direction of
a health care professional. Lifted
edges of Steri-Strip closures
may be trimmed. However, when
less than 1/2 inch of Steri-Strip
closures remains on either side of
wound, one might consider gently
removing the Steri-Strip closure
and replacing it with a new one.
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.
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.
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.