Category
Consumable
Typical Use
Absorb blood and maintain clear surgical field.
Description
Sterile absorbent pads used intraoperatively to soak up blood and fluids, protect tissues, and provide gentle pressure for hemostasis; lap sponges are radiopaque to allow detection on imaging if inadvertently retained. Surgical teams follow strict counting protocols for sponges and instruments before and after procedures to prevent retained surgical items, and sponges are used in combination with suction and irrigation to maintain a clear operative field. Proper handling, placement, and documentation of sponge counts are critical components of operating room safety and patient protection. Postoperative monitoring for signs of retained items or infection is part of comprehensive surgical care.