3M Transpore Surgical Tape

3M Transpore Plastic Surgical Tape Features

• Clear, porous, white plastic Tape
• Easy, straight, two-directional tear allows clinician to tailor the tape
• Good adhesive to skin and tubing for secure placement
• Non-latex and hypoallergenic for sensitive patients
• The transpore medical tape is easy to use with gloves
• Economical single use wound care rolls

3M Transpore Tape User Manual

When to use 3M Transpore Clear Medical Tape?

• This surgical tape helps in securing tubing and devices (e.g., catheters, I.V. tubing)
• When tape width must be customized
• Helps in anchoring bulky dressings

What to buy with 3M Transpore Surgical Tape for Wounds

• Derma Sciences Medihoney Hydrocolloid Wound Filler Paste
• ColActive Plus Collagen Advanced Wound Care Dressing
• Graham-Field Iris Scissor

How to apply 3M Transpore Tape?

• Tape should be applied without tension to clean, dry skin
• A clipper may be used to remove hair, if necessary
• To protect at-risk skin, 3M Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film may be applied and when thoroughly dry, tape may be applied over it
• In general, do not encircle a limb completely with tape
• If distention is anticipated, use a tape that stretches or a self-adherent wrap to secure the dressing or tubing

• General Taping:
  • Apply the tape without tension, gently but firmly stroking the surface to maximize adhesion
  • Tape should extend at least one-half inch beyond the dressing
  • Tape should not be pulled or stretched when applied
  • If swelling does occur, loosen and re-fasten or replace tape to relieve the tension
• When compression is needed:
  1. Place first section of tape without tension onto skin on one side of the dressing, gently pressing downward
  2. With one hand, secure tape on one edge of the dressing while slightly stretching next section of tape over the dressing
  3. Secure tape on opposite edge of the dressing
  4. Press remaining tape onto skin without tension. Compression should come from the multiple layers of dressing material, not from excessive tension in the tape. Skin distention under tape may result in blistering and should be relieved as soon as possible.


• When distention is anticipated:
  • Foam tapes generally stretch in all directions; however, non-woven soft cloth tapes, such as 3M Medipore Soft Cloth Tape, and 3M Medipore H Soft Cloth Tape have more stretch in the cross-direction and on the bias.
  • The direction of the stretch should be considered when securing a dressing or tubing to an area that is at high risk for distention, edema, hematoma formation, or movement.
  • Anecdotally, applying soft cloth tape parallel to the incision appears to be associated with fewer skin tension injuries than taping perpendicular to the incision.

How to remove 3M Clear Medical Tape?

Proper tape removal is critical in reducing the occurrence of skin trauma.

1. Loosen edges of white plastic tape. If necessary, press a small piece of tape onto a corner to start an edge of the tape.
2. Stabilize the skin with one finger. Remove tape “low and slow” in direction of hair growth, keeping it close to skin surface and pulled back over itself. Removing tape at an angle will pull at the epidermis increasing risk of mechanical trauma.
3. As tape is removed, continue supporting newly exposed skin

3M Clear Porous Tape - FAQ