Answer:
Sterile gauze pads have been through a process to remove all germs and bacteria. Important to note though that they are no longer sterile in any area that has come in contact with anything once they are open.
Medical professionals to keep them sterile wear sterile gloves and never touch the side that comes in contact with what they are cleaning of applying the gauze to.
None sterile gauze pads are often used first to clean the worst part of a wound but, are never left on the wound as cover. Only a sterile pad should be used for covering a wound.
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sterile gauze pads are supposed to be bacteria/germ free, thats why they are sealed. non-sterile gauze pads probably have some microorganisms in it, from the air, etc.
Sterille=sterile. non-sterile = non-sterile
Sterile gauze pads are made in a clean room environment and has a very low level of impurities. It is then irradiated with radiation to kill bacteria and viruses and sealed with a neutral gas nitrogen.
non sterile gauze pads? well the process is much simple just manufacture and pack it up.
Why the difference. Simple sterile gauze pads are used for open wounds. non sterile is usually used to wipe or apply medicine on the skin without any cuts or open wounds.