Sponges used in surgery can be responsible for serious complication or even death when they are not easily detected and removed. Their presence is often masked by nearby bone. However, X-ray detectable sponges are affordable, easily detected and suitable for operating room and surgical applications. Within the gauze is a heat-bonded barium sulfate marker to allow vivid and accurate x-ray visibility. With a barium sulfate content of more than fifty-five percent, these particular sponges exceed the minimum requirements.