How to Choose The Best Suture Practice Kit for Medical Students

The Suture Practice Kit is one of the best tools for medical students to practice their suturing skills. This kit includes a high-quality needle and thread, as well as a suture pad with pre-marked areas that simulate different types of wounds.

Medical schools often require students to buy these kits themselves, but they are also available for purchase at some stores or online. When you select your suture kit, it is important to consider what type of stitching you will be practicing most often, the choice of suture practice material and how many people it can serve at once (e.g., two people).

Suture Pad

The pad with a mesh layer on the skin layer is great for simple running sutures. If with a vertical mesh layer, it is great for mattress sutures.

Sutures

Nylon: Nylon creates a type of natural monofilament suture.

Polypropylene (Prolene): This material creates a monofilament suture.

Silk: Silk sutures are typically braided and made naturally.

Polyester: This form is synthetic and braided.

Size refers to the diameter of the suture strand. the larger the suture diameter, the relatively stronger it is. Small sutures, such as 5-0 and 6-0 are used on the face. Larger sutures, 3-0 and 4-0 are best for areas where appearance is not of great concern such as the extremities.

Basic Suture Tools

Iris Scissors, Needle Driver, Scalpel handle, Mosquito Forceps, Adson Forcep with teeth, and Blades are the basic suture tools that every medical student is recommended to purchase.

Related Article: DIY Suture Practice Pad with Hook&Loop Tissue Tension Device for Suture Practice