Cotton fine cloth (140 thread count fine cloth). A soft, highly absorbent, drapeable and extremely permeable loose fabric. Because of its easy permeability, this material does not have any liquid barrier capabilities. In addition, it tends to fray and produce lint (cotton shavings) easily.

Fluids are the most important carriers of microbial transport in surgical procedures. Other possible carriers for microbial transport in surgery include air, aerosols, feathers, lint (cotton shavings) and skin cells. Dry penetration of microorganisms facilitated by mechanical action may also pass through porous materials. An effective microbial barrier must resist both "wet" and "dry" penetration of microorganisms.

Protective materials should not show significant wear during normal use, whether under wet or dry conditions. Abrasion can weaken the material and adversely affect barrier performance, causing it to tear or produce more lint (lint). The most significant problem is the rubbing of one material by itself or another, as when an arm rubs against the chest area of a surgical gown or the abdomen of a surgical gown rubs against the surgical sheet on the table.

Protective gowns and surgical sheets act as a barrier to liquids and thus prevent microbial invasion. Given the nature of their fabrics, the frequency of challenges to their integrity should be kept to a minimum. Any surgical gown, other protective gown or surgical sheet on the market today can be punctured, cut or torn, thus compromising the intended barrier quality; for this reason, the use of instruments such as perforated towel clips is no longer acceptable from an aseptic practice perspective and should be discontinued. Surgical sheets, except for those intended to be cut, should not be cut. Cutting window surgical sheets creates lint, which violates the principles of aseptic technique and may require repair or elimination of multipurpose products. Proper handling of all products is critical to their cost effectiveness and protective performance.