3M Steri-Strip Antimicrobial Adhesive Skin Closure Strip

SKU: A1847

1/2" × 4" (12mm × 100mm)  |  Iodophor Antimicrobial Adhesive  |  Polyester Filament Reinforced  |  Broad-Spectrum SSI Protection  |  Not for Iodine-Sensitive Patients  |  FSA Eligible  |  Latex Free  |  By Solventum (Formerly 3M)

The antimicrobial variant of the Steri-Strip skin closure line. The adhesive contains iodophor — an iodine-releasing compound that provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against the most common pathogens responsible for surgical site infections (SSIs). Reinforced with polyester filaments for added tensile strength. Indicated for use where additional antimicrobial protection is desired: at surgical incision closure, wound support following early suture or staple removal, and higher-risk wound environments. Microporous breathable non-woven backing. Excellent long-term adhesion. Sterile, single-use. FSA eligible. Latex free. Not recommended for patients with known sensitivity to iodine.

Order by Part Number

Available in one size only. For other sizes with antimicrobial protection or for iodine-sensitive patients requiring non-antimicrobial closure, see the 3M Steri-Strip Reinforced (R-series) or Blend Tone (B-series). Questions? 1-866-218-0902

Key Features

• Iodophor adhesive — pressure-sensitive adhesive contains iodophor, an iodine-releasing compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against common SSI-causing pathogens; active within the adhesive layer throughout wear
• Polyester filament reinforcement — same reinforced construction as the standard Steri-Strip R-series; high tensile strength for longer-term wound closure support
• Microporous non-woven backing — breathable; reduces moisture accumulation under strip
• Excellent long-term adhesion — designed for secure wound closure support through the full wear period
• Indicated for surgical site infection risk reduction — for use in operating room, ED, clinic, and post-surgical wound care settings
• Ideal for post-suture and post-staple removal support — provides continued wound edge approximation and antimicrobial protection after early suture or staple removal
• Not recommended for iodine-sensitive patients — iodophor content contraindicates use in patients with known iodine allergy or sensitivity
• Cannot be resterilized — sterile as supplied; do not attempt resterilization with ethylene oxide
• 2-year shelf life from manufacture date
• FSA eligible | Latex free

Contraindications

• Known iodine sensitivity or allergy — the iodophor adhesive contains iodine; use of this product on iodine-sensitive patients is contraindicated
• Infected wounds
• High-tension wounds that cannot be easily approximated with fingers or forceps
• Wounds where adequate adhesion cannot be obtained (exudate, skin oils, moisture, hair)

Clinical FAQs

What is iodophor and how does it reduce surgical site infection risk?

Iodophor is a chemical complex of iodine and a solubilizing carrier (typically a polymer) that releases free iodine slowly over time. Iodine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent effective against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and spores — the range of pathogens responsible for most surgical site infections. In the Steri-Strip Antimicrobial, iodophor is incorporated directly into the pressure-sensitive adhesive. When the strip is applied to the skin at the wound site, the iodophor releases active iodine into the adhesive-skin interface throughout the wear period, maintaining continuous antimicrobial activity at the wound margin. This is distinct from pre-operative skin antiseptic preparation (which is applied and then removed); the iodophor adhesive provides a sustained source of antimicrobial activity at the closure site for as long as the strip is in place. Clinical evidence referenced by 3M supports broad-spectrum activity against the most common SSI-causing organisms.

How does this compare to the standard reinforced Steri-Strip (R-series) and when should the antimicrobial version be chosen over the standard?

The construction is nearly identical: both the Antimicrobial (A1847) and the standard Reinforced (R-series) use polyester filament reinforcement and microporous non-woven backing, providing the same tensile strength and breathability. The single difference is the adhesive: the standard Reinforced uses a plain hypoallergenic acrylate adhesive; the Antimicrobial uses an iodophor-containing acrylate adhesive that adds active antimicrobial function. The Antimicrobial strip is appropriate when the wound carries elevated infection risk — surgical incisions, traumatic lacerations in contaminated environments, immunocompromised patients, or post-suture removal support where early tissue healing has not fully consolidated. For clean low-risk minor lacerations in healthy patients where infection risk is minimal, the standard R-series provides equivalent closure with a hypoallergenic adhesive that is safe for iodine-sensitive patients. The Antimicrobial version costs more per strip and is contraindicated for iodine-sensitive patients — patient allergy status must be confirmed before use.

What are SSIs and why are adhesive skin closures a relevant strategy for reducing them?

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are infections that develop at the site of a surgical incision within 30 days of the operative procedure (or within 90 days if an implant was placed). They are among the most common and costly healthcare-associated infections, causing prolonged hospital stays, additional interventions, and significant patient morbidity. SSI pathogens typically originate from the patient's own skin flora — gram-positive organisms including Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common — and gain access to the surgical site through the wound during and after closure. Standard infection-control measures focus on pre-operative antisepsis, sterile technique, and prophylactic antibiotics. Antimicrobial skin closures add a post-closure layer of protection: the iodophor adhesive maintains continuous local antimicrobial activity at the wound margin throughout the healing period, targeting the same skin-flora pathogens that standard measures address systemically. This is a targeted, non-systemic infection-control measure at the wound surface itself.

Questions about antimicrobial closure selection, iodine allergy screening, or institutional pricing? Call our product specialists: 1-866-218-0902