Natural absorbable sutures · Chromium treated
Chromic gut surgical sutures
Chromic gut is a natural absorbable suture material treated with chromium salts to modify its strength-retention and absorption profile compared with plain gut. Use this page to understand the material, compare stocked alternatives or ask us to source a specific manufacturer code.
Natural absorbable
Chromium treated
Needled & non-needled formats
Professional supply
Chromic gut products are not currently published online
Send us the manufacturer name and full catalogue code, or a photograph of the existing pack. We can check the exact material, size, needle specification, packaging and supply availability.
Understanding chromic gut sutures
Chromic gut is a processed collagen-based natural suture. Chromium treatment is used to delay enzymatic degradation compared with plain gut, but performance varies by manufacturer and product. It is not equivalent to synthetic absorbable materials such as polyglactin 910, poliglecaprone 25 or polydioxanone.
MaterialProcessed collagen-based natural suture
AbsorbabilityAbsorbed enzymatically; profile varies
TreatmentChromium salts modify the support profile
IdentificationMatch manufacturer and full catalogue code
Compare absorbable suture materials
These collections help buyers compare natural and synthetic absorbable materials. Any substitution should be approved by an appropriately qualified decision-maker against the clinical specification.
Natural absorbable
Plain Gut
Compare untreated plain gut and its generally shorter support profile with chromic gut.
View the Plain Gut guide → Synthetic braidedVICRYL
Browse polyglactin 910 sutures, including standard, RAPIDE and PLUS families.
Compare VICRYL → Synthetic monofilamentPDS II
View polydioxanone sutures for specifications requiring a synthetic extended-support material.
Compare PDS II → Complete categoryAll absorbable sutures
Compare currently stocked absorbable materials, brands, sizes and needle types.
View all absorbable sutures →What to include in a chromic gut enquiry
The fastest route is to send a photograph of the current pack or the complete manufacturer code. If that is unavailable, provide every known part of the specification.
Manufacturer and product codeThese give the most reliable identification and avoid material confusion.
Suture specificationInclude USP size, strand length, colour and pack quantity.
Needle specificationInclude needle code, point type, curvature, length and arm configuration.
Chromic gut suture FAQs
What are chromic gut sutures made from?
Chromic gut sutures are collagen-based natural absorbable sutures processed and treated with chromium salts. Source material and manufacturing specifications vary by product.
What is the difference between chromic gut and plain gut?
Chromic treatment is used to slow enzymatic breakdown and extend support compared with plain gut. Exact performance depends on the manufacturer and product, so consult the current IFU.
Are chromic gut and VICRYL the same?
No. Chromic gut is a natural collagen-based absorbable material. VICRYL is Ethicon’s synthetic braided polyglactin 910 range. They are materially different products.
Can Suture Supply Co source a specific chromic gut suture?
Send us the manufacturer name and full product code, or a clear photograph of the current pack. We can then check the required specification and available supply options.
Professional-use information: This page supports product identification and purchasing only and is not clinical guidance. Qualified healthcare professionals should approve product selection and consult the manufacturer’s current labelling and instructions for use.