Problems that should be avoided in the collection process
Date: 2021-12-14
1. Remove old dressings and necrotic tissue left on the wound
All dressings, gauze, and other materials should be removed prior to performing wound secretion culture swab collection. Any dry exudate or necrotic tissue should also be gently removed from the wound with warm saline. Although some clinicians believe that leaving some residue in the wound increases the chances of the infected organism recovering, it also increases the likelihood of infection in the patient.
2. Dry swabs on dry wounds
Samples from dry wounds should always be taken with a swab dipped in sterile saline solution. When using dry swabs, the chance of collecting any organisms is very small.
3. Wipe only one area
When sampling, it is important that the swab thoroughly delineates the wound, and a ten-point collection method is usually required. Different organisms located in different parts of the wound may interact and react in the patient, or the patient may have two different infections that require multiple treatments.
4. Complete the paperwork hours after the procedure is over
Completing all documentation immediately after taking the swab is key. You will be more likely to remember certain things about the wound (discoloration, temperature) as well as the patient (temperament, any other symptoms) that better inform the test.
All dressings, gauze, and other materials should be removed prior to performing wound secretion culture swab collection. Any dry exudate or necrotic tissue should also be gently removed from the wound with warm saline. Although some clinicians believe that leaving some residue in the wound increases the chances of the infected organism recovering, it also increases the likelihood of infection in the patient.
2. Dry swabs on dry wounds
Samples from dry wounds should always be taken with a swab dipped in sterile saline solution. When using dry swabs, the chance of collecting any organisms is very small.
3. Wipe only one area
When sampling, it is important that the swab thoroughly delineates the wound, and a ten-point collection method is usually required. Different organisms located in different parts of the wound may interact and react in the patient, or the patient may have two different infections that require multiple treatments.
4. Complete the paperwork hours after the procedure is over
Completing all documentation immediately after taking the swab is key. You will be more likely to remember certain things about the wound (discoloration, temperature) as well as the patient (temperament, any other symptoms) that better inform the test.
