gaasje

Gaasje is the Dutch term for gauze, a lightweight, open-weave fabric used primarily in wound care and first aid. Typically made from cotton or blended fibers, gauze is designed to be absorbent and breathable. It is sold in sterile and non-sterile forms and offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, including small square pads (gaasjes) and larger sheets or rolls. Sterile gauze is packaged to maintain sterility until use and is commonly used to cover wounds, absorb exudate, and protect delicate tissue from contamination. Non-sterile gauze is used for cleaning or general wound care outside clinical settings.

In clinical practice, gaasje is often used together with other dressings and with bandages (gaasverband) to hold a dressing in place. It can serve as padding, to fill a wound cavity, or as a protective layer. In surgical environments, gauze sponges are employed to absorb fluids and help maintain a clean operative field.

Care and handling: gauze should be stored in a clean, dry environment, and sterile products kept in their sealed packaging until use. Sterile gauze should not be reused, and soiled material should be disposed of properly. To minimize lint, many gauze products are produced as low-lint options.

See also: Gauze, Wound dressing, Medical textile.