What key characteristic differentiates a chromic suture?

A chromic suture is characterized by its unique property of being treated with chromium salts to slow down the rate of absorption by the body. This means that they provide prolonged support during the healing process compared to sutures that are absorbed quickly. The treatment helps to prolong the functional strength of the suture, which is particularly important in surgeries where tissue integrity is essential for healing over a longer duration.

While the other options have their own merits, they do not accurately describe chromic sutures. For example, chromic sutures do not need to be kept moist before being passed to the surgeon, as they can be used in their standard state. They are not entirely non-reactive; rather, they are designed to minimize tissue reaction when compared to non-treated sutures. Additionally, chromic sutures are typically made from natural materials like collagen, not synthetic materials, which differentiates them from other types of sutures that may use synthetic substances.

Thus, the defining characteristic of a chromic suture lies in its absorption rate and how it is treated to ensure it supports healing without being overly reactive with tissues.