Garze

Garze, commonly known as gauze in English, is a lightweight, open-weave fabric used primarily for medical dressings. The term garze is common in several languages, including Romanian and Turkish, to refer to the same material.

Most garze is made from cotton fibers, though blends with viscose or synthetic fibers exist. The fabric is produced by a plain weave, resulting in a loose, breathable material with a fibrous, airy texture. It is often manufactured in rolls or sheets and sold in sterile or non-sterile forms. Sterile varieties are treated by methods such as steam autoclaving, irradiation, or ethylene oxide to meet medical standards.

Common forms include rolled gauze, gauze pads, and gauze sponges, used to cover and protect wounds, absorb exudates, and keep dressings in place. It can be used alone or with bandages, antiseptics, or ointments. When used for wounds, sterile gauze reduces infection risk during dressing changes.

Non-sterile, nonwoven variants exist for wound care, while very fine gauze may be used for filtration or culinary straining in some contexts. The choice of fabric weight (gsm) and pore size affects absorption, permeability, and comfort.

Handling and storage: keep dry, clean, away from pests; store in sealed packaging; dispose of used dressings following local regulations. Common safety considerations include avoiding lint shedding and ensuring proper sterility for medical use.