Surgical Tape - Transpore, Micropore, Durapore, Mepitac
Surgical tape for clinical dressing retention, IV site fixation, tubing securement and post-procedural taping. Full 3M line (Transpore transparent plastic, Micropore hypoallergenic paper, Durapore silk cloth) in widths from 1/2 inch through 3 inch in 10 yard rolls. Molnlycke Mepitac silicone tape for atraumatic application. Smith & Nephew Primafix Plus large-format retention tape in 2, 4 and 6 inch widths. Case pricing with standing order programs available.
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Surgical Tape Catalog
Surgical tape is the highest-velocity fixation product class in clinical procurement - consumed in every patient care environment from emergency departments and operating rooms to long-term care nursing stations and outpatient infusion centers. The catalog stocks the full 3M (Solventum) line as the institutional standard, supplemented by Molnlycke Mepitac silicone tape for atraumatic application on fragile skin and Smith & Nephew Primafix Plus for large-format dressing retention.
3M Transpore Transparent Plastic Surgical Tape
3M Transpore is a porous transparent plastic surgical tape that tears by hand without scissors, allowing rapid clinical application without scissor preparation. The transparent backing allows wound and IV site visualization through the tape itself. The porosity allows skin to breathe and reduces moisture buildup compared to non-porous plastic tapes. Adhesion is strong enough for IV catheter securement and standard dressing retention.
- 3M # 1527-0 - 1/2 inch x 10 yard, 240 rolls per case (240 ea/cs, 10 bx/cs)
- 3M # 1527-1 - 1 inch x 10 yard, 12 rolls per box, 10 boxes per case (120 rolls/cs)
- 3M # 1527-2 - 2 inch x 10 yard, 60 rolls per case (60 ea/cs, 10 bx/cs)
- 3M # 1527-3 - 3 inch x 10 yard, 40 rolls per case (40 ea/cs, 10 bx/cs)
3M Micropore Hypoallergenic Paper Surgical Tape
3M Micropore is the most widely stocked surgical tape in US healthcare - a hypoallergenic paper tape with gentle adhesive engineered for repeated application on fragile, sensitive or compromised skin. The institutional standard for long-term care, geriatrics, neonatology, dermatology, oncology and any patient population where adhesive sensitivity or fragile skin integrity is a concern. Standard white color, hand-tearable, breathable paper backing.
- 3M # 1530-0 - 1/2 inch x 10 yard, 240 rolls per case
- 3M # 1530-1 - 1 inch x 10 yard, 120 rolls per case
- 3M # 1530-2 - 2 inch x 10 yard (5 cm x 9.1 m), hypoallergenic, white, 6/bx, 10 bx/case
- 3M # 1530-3 - 3 inch x 10 yard, 40 rolls per case
3M Durapore High-Strength Silk Cloth Surgical Tape
3M Durapore is a high-strength silk cloth surgical tape used for heavy dressing retention, splint fixation, tubing and line securement under tension, and applications requiring strong sustained adhesion. The silk cloth backing provides tensile strength substantially higher than paper or plastic tapes. Hand-tearable in the cross direction.
- 3M # 1538-0 - 1/2 inch x 10 yard, 24 per box, 10 boxes per case (240 per case)
- 3M # 1538-1 - 1 inch x 10 yard, 120 rolls per case
- 3M # 1538-2 - 2 inch x 10 yard, 60 rolls per case
- 3M # 1538-3 - 3 inch x 10 yard, 40 rolls per case
Molnlycke Mepitac Silicone Tape
Mepitac silicone tape uses Molnlycke's Safetac silicone adhesive for atraumatic application and removal on fragile periwound skin, elderly patients and neonatal application. The silicone bonds gently enough to remove without damaging the skin underneath, but securely enough to provide dressing retention through normal patient activity.
- Molnlycke # 298300 - Mepitac silicone tape, 3/4 inch x 118 inch, 12 per case
Smith & Nephew Primafix Plus Large-Format Retention Tape
Primafix Plus is a non-woven dressing retention tape in 2, 4 and 6 inch widths and 2 or 10 yard lengths, used for retention of large dressings over abdominal wounds, chest dressings, pressure injuries, surgical drains and any wound requiring wide-format adhesive retention.
- Smith & Nephew # 055328 - Primafix 2 inch x 10 yard, 24 per case
- Smith & Nephew # 55329 - Primafix Plus 4 inch x 10 yard, 24 per case
- Smith & Nephew # 55330 - Primafix Plus 6 inch x 10 yard, 24 per case
- Smith & Nephew # 55331 - Primafix Plus 2 inch x 2 yard, 36 per case
- Smith & Nephew # 55332 - Primafix Plus 4 inch x 2 yard, 18 per case
- Smith & Nephew # 55333 - Primafix Plus 6 inch x 2 yard, 12 per case
Width Selection Profile
| Width | Common Applications |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | IV catheter trims, fine fixation, pediatric and neonatal application |
| 1 inch | Standard IV site fixation, small dressing retention, general clinical use |
| 2 inch | Standard dressing retention, tubing securement, drain fixation |
| 3 inch | Larger dressing retention, splint and bandage fixation |
| 4 inch / 6 inch (Primafix) | Abdominal, chest, sacral and large pressure injury dressing retention |
Surgical tape is one of the highest-volume product groups in clinical procurement - typically automated through standing orders at the facility or unit level. The 3M Transpore / Micropore / Durapore line covers the majority of institutional volume; Mepitac fills the atraumatic application niche; Primafix Plus covers large-format retention. Order at the best Wholesale Prices with MAP Medical.
Top Surgical Tape Products
- 3M # 1527-0 - Transpore Surgical Tape, 1/2" x 10 yard, transparent plastic, 240 rolls/case
- 3M # 1527-1 - Transpore Surgical Tape, 1" x 10 yard, transparent, 12 rolls/box, 10 boxes/case
- 3M # 1527-2 - Transpore Surgical Tape, 2" x 10 yard, 60 rolls/case
- 3M # 1527-3 - Transpore Surgical Tape, 3" x 10 yard, 40 rolls/case
- 3M # 1530-0 - Micropore Hypoallergenic Paper Tape, 1/2" x 10 yard, 240 rolls/case
- 3M # 1530-1 - Micropore Hypoallergenic Paper Tape, 1" x 10 yard, 120 rolls/case
- 3M # 1530-2 - Micropore Hypoallergenic Paper Tape, 5 cm x 9.1 m, 6/box, 10 boxes/case
- 3M # 1530-3 - Micropore Hypoallergenic Paper Tape, 3" x 10 yard, 40 rolls/case
- 3M # 1538-0 - Durapore Silk Cloth Tape, 1/2" x 10 yard, 24/box, 10 boxes/case
- 3M # 1538-1 - Durapore Silk Cloth Tape, 1" x 10 yard, 120 rolls/case
- 3M # 1538-2 - Durapore Silk Cloth Tape, 2" x 10 yard, 60 rolls/case
- 3M # 1538-3 - Durapore Silk Cloth Tape, 3" x 10 yard, 40 rolls/case
- Molnlycke # 298300 - Mepitac Silicone Tape, 3/4" x 118"
- Smith & Nephew # 055328 - Primafix Dressing Tape, 2" x 10 yard, 24/case
- Smith & Nephew # 55329 - Primafix Plus Dressing Tape, 4" x 10 yard, 24/case
- Smith & Nephew # 55330 - Primafix Plus Dressing Tape, 6" x 10 yard, 24/case
- Smith & Nephew # 55331 - Primafix Plus Dressing Tape, 2" x 2 yard, 36/case
- Smith & Nephew # 55332 - Primafix Plus Dressing Tape, 4" x 2 yard, 18/case
- Smith & Nephew # 55333 - Primafix Plus Dressing Tape, 6" x 2 yard, 12/case
Frequently Asked Questions
What surgical tape is best for IV catheter fixation?
3M Transpore (1 inch or 2 inch) is the most widely used surgical tape for IV catheter fixation. The transparent porous plastic backing allows visualization of the IV site through the tape, the strong adhesion holds the catheter securely, and the hand-tearable construction allows rapid bedside application without scissor preparation. For patients with fragile or sensitive skin requiring IV fixation, Micropore paper tape is the alternative with gentler adhesion.
When is Durapore silk tape preferred over paper or plastic tape?
3M Durapore silk cloth tape is preferred when high tensile strength and strong sustained adhesion are required - heavy dressing retention, splint and bandage fixation, tubing and drain securement under tension, and tracheostomy or endotracheal tube securement. The silk backing has higher tensile strength than paper (Micropore) or plastic (Transpore), and the adhesion is strong enough for applications that would loosen with weaker tape constructions.
Why is Micropore the standard tape in long-term care and geriatrics?
3M Micropore is engineered with a gentle hypoallergenic adhesive that minimizes skin reaction and trauma on repeated application to fragile elderly skin. Long-term care residents and geriatric patients typically have age-related skin thinning, reduced collagen and increased fragility - making them susceptible to skin tears and adhesive-related damage from standard tape. The Micropore gentle adhesive allows repeated dressing changes without progressive skin damage, which is why it has become the institutional standard for this patient population.
Can hospitals and clinics order surgical tape on standing orders?
Yes. The 3M Transpore, Micropore and Durapore line is among the most commonly automated standing order categories in clinical procurement, given consistent baseline consumption across every facility type. Standing orders are typically structured by tape line and width, with monthly or quarterly replenishment cycles. Mepitac silicone tape and Primafix retention tape are also available on standing order programs. Contact our procurement team for standing order setup.
What surgical tape should be included in a hospital formulary?
A standard hospital tape formulary covers 3M Transpore in 1 inch and 2 inch for IV fixation and transparent dressing retention, Micropore in 1 inch, 2 inch and 3 inch for general gentle dressing retention and use on fragile skin, Durapore in 1 inch and 2 inch for heavy dressing retention and tubing securement, Mepitac silicone tape (3/4 inch) for atraumatic application on fragile periwound skin, and Primafix Plus in 4 inch and 6 inch widths for large-format dressing retention. Contact our team to build a tape formulary matched to facility patient mix.