Abstract
REFERENCE has been made on two or three occasions in NATURE to the risk of tetanus arising from the use of imperfectly sterilized catgut for surgical ligatures. In order still further to reduce the risk of tetanus infection, the Minister of Health has issued new regulations which require all surgical ligatures and sutures, including catgut, that are not sold under the special licensing arrangements of the Therapeutic Substances Act, to bear a label stating in prescribed terms that efficient sterilization is necessary before use (Statutory Rules and Orders, 1937, No. 767, and Circular 1641. H.M. Stationery Office. Id.). Catgut which is sold under licence under the Therapeutic Substances Act is free from any possible risk of infection, as its manufacture is strictly controlled and it is properly sterilized before being put on sale.
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Safe Catgut for Surgical Use. Nature 140, 1094 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1038/1401094a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1401094a0