Drapes are used as sterile coverings during operations. They are used as mats or to cover patients.

The picture shows various disposable items. We distinguish between these and washable linen sheets. Hopitals use both washable and disposable items. Certified cleaning companies are charged with washing surgical drapes.

Here you can see a sterile cover for the patient – surgical drapes must be easy to use, in order to ensure sterile use. Some basic requirements are that the drapes need to be flexible as well as packaged and folded correctly. The surgical team also needs comfortable (ergonomic) clothing. Especially if an operation is long and complicated, medical staff should not be distracted by clothing. Their concentration should not be impaired. Here you can see a shot of an operation, the opening of the mouth has been treated with disinfectant, the surgeons, the patient and all instruments are „wrapped“ up in sterile drapes, coverings and gowns.

Before the start of the operation, whoever is performing the operation gets dressed first – the operating gown first, then the sterile surgical gloves, taking care not to come into contact with skin and/or other non-sterile objects. Only now are the instruments laid out on a sterile mat – thus ensuring sterility at every step.

Doctor's offices usually use washable surgical drapes. However, these are not washed and sterilised by certified companies. These non-certified companies usually only wash and sometimes steam the drapes, but the drapes are not really sterilized, since even steaming does not remove all germs. Doctor's offices should only use disposable items. Here you can see a washable cotton cover wrapped in sterilization paper.