B.P. Cotton Gauze. An open wove material layered 8 ply to be absorbent. They are used to place over a wound before taping, strapping or bandaging up or can be soaked in antiseptic liquid and used to wipe over hard surfaces. Gauze swabs are a useful utility product in a kit can be used for padding, protection,blood spill,wound dressing,applying antiseptic and much more. Any application to an open wound you should use the packs of 5 sterile swabs rather than the pack of 100 non sterile.