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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
TAPE: A Biodegradable Hemostatic Glue Inspired by a Ubiquitous Compound in Plants for Surgical Application
Published on: June 8, 2016
Infection prevention practices and the use of medical tapes
Stéphanie F Bernatchez1, Kimberly Schommer1
13M Company, St. Paul, MN.
Background:
Medical tapes are ubiquitous in healthcare and there are currently no guidelines for their storage and use. Tapes cannot be cleaned or disinfected; yet, several clinicians may use a given roll for any number of patients. Reports of tape contamination associated with clinical infection have been published.
Purpose:
We reviewed the literature reporting microbiological studies, case reports of infections, and nosocomial outbreaks associated with the use of medical tapes and other adhesive devices to assess the prevalence of this problem.
Methods:
We conducted a literature search for cross-contamination due to medical tape use in 6 databases in June 2020 using indexing terms for surgical tape, adhesive agent, adhesives or the keyword for tape. We compiled available evidence on tape contamination as a cause for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Main Findings:
Forty-two publications reported relevant microbiological studies, case reports of infections, and/or nosocomial outbreaks. Results demonstrated that tape rolls handled with questionable practices can harbor pathogens. Some studies showed the association between contaminated tape and HAIs, which in some cases even led to death.
Conclusions:
The time has come to establish national guidelines to help reduce the risk of cross-contamination from medical tapes. We offer suggested elements for these guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic brings greater scrutiny to eliminate any avoidable cause of infection transmission.
Insights
Medical tape rolls can harbor pathogens, leading to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and even death. New national guidelines are needed to prevent cross-contamination from medical tape use.
Area of Science:
- Infection control
- Microbiology
- Healthcare policy
Background:
- Medical tapes are widely used in healthcare settings without established storage or usage guidelines.
- Medical tapes cannot be cleaned or disinfected, posing a risk of cross-contamination between patients.
- Published reports link tape contamination to clinical infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of medical tape contamination and its association with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- To review existing literature on microbiological studies, infections, and outbreaks linked to medical tapes and adhesive devices.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across six databases in June 2020.
- Keywords included "surgical tape," "adhesive agent," "adhesives," and "tape."
- Evidence on tape contamination as a cause of HAIs was compiled.
Main Results:
- Forty-two publications reported relevant microbiological data, case reports, or outbreaks.
- Questionable handling practices can lead to tape rolls harboring dangerous pathogens.
- Contaminated medical tape was associated with HAIs, with some cases resulting in fatalities.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for national guidelines to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination from medical tapes.
- Suggested elements for these guidelines are proposed to enhance patient safety.
- The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of eliminating avoidable infection transmission routes.
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