Final answer:
The radiopaque strip differentiates a Ray-Tec sponge from a dressing sponge by making the Ray-Tec visible on X-rays, preventing retained surgical items.
Step-by-step explanation:
The radiopaque strip is a key feature that distinguishes a Ray-Tec sponge from a regular dressing sponge used in medical procedures.
The radiopaque strip in the Ray-Tec sponge makes it visible on X-rays, which is helpful in confirming that all sponges have been retrieved from the body after a surgical procedure. This helps to prevent retained surgical items, a serious surgical complication.
The concept is somewhat similar to film badges mentioned in your reference, which contain film used in dental X-rays and are sandwiched between various absorbers to determine the penetrating ability of the radiation as well as the amount, as a means to monitor radiation exposure levels.