Smith & Nephew 12 Ply Sterile Gauze Swab (10cmx10cm)

Smith & Nephew 12 Ply Sterile Gauze Swab (10cm x 10cm) is a plain, non-medicated wound care pad made from 100% pure cotton gauze, folded into a 12-ply construction for extra thickness and absorbency. It contains no antiseptic or medicinal ingredient and is classified as a medical device.

Each swab is individually wrapped and sterilised, and the box contains multiple individually packed swabs, so that only the swabs needed for a single dressing change need to be opened, keeping the remainder sterile for later use. It is latex-free and suitable for use in clinical settings as well as home first-aid.

The 12-ply weave gives the gauze swab a dense, absorbent cotton structure that draws fluid into the gauze rather than letting it pool on the surface it is placed against. Its open-weave cotton fibres allow air to pass through while still forming a physical barrier against dust, dirt and external contamination, and its plain, non-medicated construction can be folded to the thickness required.

Wash your hands before opening the sterile pack, and avoid touching the surface of the swab that will contact the wound. Use the swab, moistened with saline or a cleaning solution recommended by a healthcare professional, to gently clean the wound from the centre outward in a single wiping motion per swab, discarding each swab after one use rather than wiping back and forth with the same piece.

To use as a dressing, fold the swab to the required size, place it directly over the cleaned wound, and secure it with a bandage, tape or dressing-retention product such as a conforming bandage; change it whenever it becomes wet or soiled, or as advised by a healthcare professional.

Not applicable — this is not a medicine. The gauze swab has no active ingredient, dose, frequency or maximum daily amount.

Use before the expiry date printed on the individual sachet and outer box; sterility can only be guaranteed while the sachet seal remains intact and unopened.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, in the original packaging. Do not use a swab if its individual wrapper is torn, punctured or has been previously opened.

• Not applicable — this is a plain, non-medicated gauze swab and does not cause pharmacological side effects.
• Mild skin irritation may occasionally occur from friction if the swab is used to clean a wound too vigorously.

• Do not use a swab from a pack whose sterile seal has been broken or damaged.
• Avoid use in individuals with a known sensitivity to cotton fibres.
• Do not reuse a swab once it has touched a wound, as this raises the risk of contamination.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

• Open only as many swabs as you need for one dressing change to keep the remainder sterile.
• Use each swab once, then discard it — never reuse or re-dip a used swab into cleaning solution.
• Fold thicker for extra absorbency over larger or more heavily discharging wounds.
• Secure the swab with a conforming bandage or tape rather than leaving it loose.
• Wash your hands before and after changing a dressing.
• Check that the individual sachet is intact and undamaged before use.

Precautions: This gauze swab is intended for external use on minor wounds; it is not a substitute for professional wound assessment on deep, heavily bleeding, or chronic wounds. Take care when cleaning wounds on children, elderly individuals or anyone with fragile skin, and always use a fresh, sterile swab for each wipe to avoid reintroducing bacteria into the wound.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical attention if a wound shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus or fever, if bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure, or if a wound does not appear to be healing after a few days of home care.