Wound Culture
WC
Description
"Wound Culture" test identifies bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens in wounds by analyzing a swab or tissue sample. Doctors often order it when wounds show signs of infection—like redness, swelling, or pus. Results pinpoint the specific microorganism responsible and help determine the most effective antibiotic or antifungal treatment. It’s particularly useful for slow-healing wounds or surgical sites. Monitoring wound culture results over time supports proper healing and helps reduce the risk of complications or systemic infection.
Test Category
Microbes
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Skin | Tissue | Fluid
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Swab, Grow
Test Group
Microbial Assessment Group, Infection Group
Test Group Description
Microbial Assessment Group: Tests in this group analyze microbial presence and activity in various samples, offering insights into microbial populations and their impact on health. They help identify specific microorganisms, assess microbial diversity, and evaluate microbial functions in different environments. Infection Group: Tests within this group detect markers indicative of various infections, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Animal bites
Bacterial infections
Bedsores (Skin ulcers caused by prolonged pressure)
Diabetic foot ulcers (Ulcers on the feet due to diabetes)
Environmental contaminants
Fungal infections
Improper wound care
Inadequate wound healing
Insect bites
Poor blood supply
Postoperative infections
Pressure ulcers (Skin sores caused by prolonged pressure)
Key Reasons For Testing
Infection Identification: Identifies pathogens causing wound infections, enabling targeted treatment approaches.
Antibiotic Selection: Guides the choice of effective antibiotics based on pathogen susceptibility.
Chronic Wound Management: Identifies persistent pathogens in chronic wounds, informing targeted management strategies.
Preventing Complications: Mitigates risks like sepsis and tissue necrosis through early infection detection and treatment.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Bowler PG, Duerden BI, Armstrong DG. Wound Microbiology and Associated Approaches to Wound Management. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2001;14(2):244-269.
[2] Gardner SE, Frantz RA, Doebbeling BN. The Validity of the Clinical Signs and Symptoms Used to Identify Localized Chronic Wound Infection. Wound Repair Regen. 2001;9(3):178-186.
[3] Cutting KF, White RJ. Criteria for Identifying Wound Infection: Revisiting the Clinical Signs and Symptoms. Wounds. 2005;17(7):203-209.
[4] Dow G. Bacterial Swabs and the Chronic Wound: When, How, and What Do They Mean? Ostomy Wound Manage. 2003;49(5A Suppl):8-13.
[5] Bessa LJ, Fazii P, Di Giulio M, Cellini L. Bacterial Isolates from Infected Wounds and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern: Some Remarks about Wound Infection. Int Wound J. 2015;12(1):47-52.
[6] Brook I, Frazier EH. Aerobic and Anaerobic Microbiology of Chronic Venous Ulcers. Int J Dermatol. 1998;37(6):426-428.
[7] Angel DE, Lloyd P, Carville K, et al. The Clinical Efficacy of Two Semiquantitative Swab Techniques for Identifying the Causative Organisms in Infected Wounds. Int Wound J. 2011;8(2):176-185.
[8] Sibbald RG, Orsted HL, Schultz GS, et al. Preparing the Wound Bed 2003: Focus on Infection and Inflammation. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2003;49(11):23-51.
[9] Schmidtchen A, Wolcott RD. Bacterial Biofilms in Chronic Wounds and the Role of Culture in Diagnosis. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2011;10(1):24-27.
[10] Malone M, Bjarnsholt T, McBain AJ, et al. The Prevalence of Biofilms in Chronic Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Published Data. J Wound Care. 2017;26(1):20-25.
[11] Schultz GS, Sibbald RG, Falanga V, et al. Wound Bed Preparation: A Systematic Approach to Wound Management. Wound Repair Regen. 2003;11(Suppl 1):S1-S28.
[12] Dowd SE, Sun Y, Secor PR, et al. Survey of Bacterial Diversity in Chronic Wounds Using Pyrosequencing, DGGE, and Full Ribosomal Pyroprints. PLoS One. 2008;3(10):e3326.