Colonisation = the presence of organisms in a wound that are multiplying but causing negligible host reaction. Colonisation can have a detrimental effect on wound healing, but as the ‘classic’ signs of infection do not accompany it, is often not identified.
Infection = the presence of organisms in a wound that are multiplying and causing a host reaction.
Signs of infection
- delayed healing
- purulent discharge from the wound
- Green, yellow or brown wound exudate or increased amount of wound exudate
- Offensive odour
- Inflammation and erythema of the wound and surrounding tissue – may include cellulitis
- Hypergranulation tissue
- Systemic signs: fever, malaise/lethargy
- Increased or unusual pain (Note: persons with diabetes may not experience this)
- Confusion
- Elevated BSL in diabetics
- Leucocytosis
Indications for Wound Swabbing
- An obvious wound exists and the surface can be sampled
- Clinical signs of infection
- Viable tissue exists - not slough or necrotic tissue (although these need to be removed via debridement)
- Templeton S., Royal District Nursing Service of SA, http://www.rdns.org.au/research_unit/Newsletters/11_Wound_Sep02.pdf
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