An absorbable, sterile surgical suture composed of purified connective tissue derived from either the serosal layer of beef or the submucosal fibrous layer of sheep intestines. Surgical gut sutures are available in plain or chromic. Chromic gut is processed to proved greater resistance to absorption. Surgical gut is packaged in tubing fluid. Blue dyed chromic gut suture is also available. Surgical gut suture meets all requirements established by the U.S. Pharmacopeia for absorbable surgical sutures.