An abdominal swab, also called a laparotomy swab, is a large, absorbent pad, typically made of sterile gauze, used during surgery to absorb bodily fluids or protect organs. These swabs are specifically designed for use in the abdominal cavity during surgery to manage bleeding, clean the area, and support organs, with many featuring an x-ray detectable thread for safety. Key characteristics and uses: Made for surgical environments, they are used to keep the surgical field clean and dry by absorbing blood and other fluids. Organ protection: They are also used to gently cover and protect organs from damage during surgery. X-ray detectable thread: A safety feature where a thread that shows up on X-rays is sewn into the swab. This helps surgeons and staff ensure all swabs are accounted for after the procedure. Absorbent: They are highly absorbent, often made of multiple layers of high-quality cotton gauze. Sterile: They are delivered sterile to prevent infection. Other features: Some may have additional features like colour coding for easier identification or a specific nonwoven pouch for aseptic technique.
