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Key Features

Built to the spec
clinicians trust.

01

Sutureless Closure

Adhesive closure strips approximate clean wound edges without needle or suture — faster than sutures, no removal required, and better cosmetic outcome on low-tension wounds.

02

Reinforced Porous Design

Porous backing allows wound exudate to escape while maintaining adhesion and tension across the closure site.

03

Surgical-Grade Marking

Sterile skin markers produce visible, non-bleeding ink that survives prep solutions and remains readable through the surgical drape.

04

WHO Safe Surgery Compliance

Pre-operative site marking is a core element of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and Joint Commission's Universal Protocol.

Clinical Use / Skin Closure & Surgical Markers

How clinicians
use this product.

Adhesive skin closure strips provide sutureless wound closure for low-tension lacerations and surgical incisions; sterile surgical skin markers are used for pre-operative marking, anatomic landmarks, and WHO Safe Surgery time-out compliance.

Indications

Clinical use cases.

  • Closure of clean, low-tension lacerations and minor surgical incisions
  • Reinforcement of sutured or stapled incisions after removal
  • Pediatric lacerations where sutures are avoided
  • Pre-operative surgical site marking per Universal Protocol
  • Anatomic and tissue marking during procedural care

Application Technique

Step by step.

01

/ 05

Prepare the wound.

Clean and dry the wound edges. Tincture of benzoin may be applied around (not into) the wound to improve adhesion.

02

/ 05

Approximate edges.

Appose wound edges with forceps. Apply the first strip at the midpoint, then work outward alternating sides.

03

/ 05

Apply cross-hatching if needed.

For longer wounds, place cross-hatching strips perpendicular to the closure strips to distribute tension.

04

/ 05

Mark the surgical site pre-op.

Use a sterile skin marker to mark the intended surgical site per facility policy. Marking must be visible after prep and drape.

05

/ 05

Document and educate.

Document wound dimensions, closure method, and aftercare instructions. Strips typically fall off at 7–14 days.

Contraindications & Cautions

When not to use.

  • Do not use closure strips on high-tension, deep, or heavily contaminated wounds — sutures or staples are indicated
  • Do not use over joints with active range of motion — tension will pull strips off
  • Do not apply benzoin directly into the wound bed — topical only
  • Surgical site marking ink must be sterile and non-bleeding under prep — kitchen markers are unacceptable

Typical Care Settings

Where it's used.

  • Emergency Department
  • Urgent Care
  • Operating Rooms
  • Outpatient Surgery Centers
  • Primary Care and Pediatrics

Clinical use information is provided for reference only. Always follow facility protocols, manufacturer instructions for use (IFU), and evidence-based practice guidelines. Consult the treating clinician before use.

Regulatory & Quality

FDA
Class I / II (21 CFR 880.5240 adhesive bandage; 878.4850 surgical marker)
Latex
Latex-free
Sterility
Sterile (surgical use) / Non-sterile (OTC reinforcement)
Biocompatibility
ISO 10993 skin-contact tested

Standards & Certifications

  • FDA 510(k) Cleared
  • WHO Surgical Safety Checklist compliant (site marking)
  • Joint Commission Universal Protocol

How It Compares

3M vs. the alternatives.

A spec-by-spec comparison with the most common alternatives in the skin closure & surgical markers category. Clinical interchangeability varies — always verify with your care team or facility protocol.

Spec

This product

3M™ Steri-Strip™ Antimicrobial Skin Closure Strip, 1 Box of 50

Hospital Supply HQ

Steri-Strip Skin Closure Bx/50 1/8 X 3 5 Strips/Sheet

3M

3M™ Steri-Strip™ Skin Closure Strip, 1/2 X 2 Inch, 1 Case of 200

3M

3M Steri-Strip Skin Closure Strips, Non-Woven, 1/2 inch X 4 inch, Reinforced Strip, White, 1 Case of 200

Sterility——Sterile—
AdhesiveAdhesive—AdhesiveAdhesive
Ink Color———White
Single-UseSingle-useSingle-useSingle-useSingle-use

Comparison is provided for reference only. Brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Specific SKUs may differ from category averages shown above.

Product Family

Also available in.

Other sizes, pack counts, and variants of the same product line.

Pairs With

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About the Brand

3M.

Global innovation in medical science

3M Health Care combines material science with clinical insight to produce category-defining products across wound care, infection prevention, and respiratory protection.

Shop All 3MOur Partner Brands

FAQ / Skin Closure & Surgical Markers

Frequently asked.

Answers to the questions clinical buyers and care teams ask most about this product category.

When should I use closure strips instead of sutures?

Closure strips work best for clean, superficial, low-tension lacerations and for reinforcing surgical sites after suture/staple removal. Deep wounds, high-tension areas (scalp, joints, palms), and heavily contaminated wounds need sutures or staples.

How long do closure strips stay on?

Typically 7–14 days. They fall off spontaneously as epithelialization completes. Patients should not peel them off early — this can disrupt the closure.

Do I need benzoin before applying the strips?

Benzoin (tincture or spray) improves adhesion, especially in areas with oily skin or perspiration. Apply to the skin around the wound only — never into the wound bed.

Are pre-operative skin markers sterile?

Surgical skin markers used after skin prep and draping must be sterile and non-bleeding under antiseptic solutions. Non-sterile markers are used before prep. Select the marker type based on when during the workflow you're marking.

Can patients shower with closure strips on?

Brief showers are usually OK after 24–48 hours. Avoid soaking, swimming, or scrubbing the wound. Pat dry — don't rub. Follow the specific wound-care instructions from the provider.

Keep Reading

More on skin closure & surgical markers.

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