Infection

Hi. This may sound silly, but what criteria is there to consider a wound infected? I often see one criteria met and iv ABT ordered, such as erythema no pruluence or fever but no signs of local infection. Is there a specific set of criteria to deem a wound infected vs inflammation ? Thank you.

Oct 7, 2019 by Melissa Khoo,

1 replies

Elaine Horibe Song
MD, PhD, MBA

Hi Melissa
Thank you for your question. One set of criteria used to assess presence of local or deep infection is described below:
- NERDS: Nonhealing, increased Exudate, Red and friable tissue, Debris, Smell. Any 3 = local infection. Consider antiseptic cleansers and antimicrobial dressings
- STONEES: increased Size, increased Temperature, Os (Orifice), New breakdown, increased Exudate, increased Erythema/edema (cellulitis), Smell. Any 3 = deep infection. Same as for NERDS + start systemic antibiotics. If indicated, consult with emergency department, infectious disease specialist
References:
-Prep and Dress Tool: https://woundreference.com/assess?dressing=true
-Woo KY, 2009: https://woundreference.com/app/reference?id=1810

Oct 8, 2019

* Information provided without clinical evaluation and is not intended as a replacement for in-person consultation with a medical professional. The information provided through Curbside Consult is not a substitute for proper training, experience, and exercising of professional judgment. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, neither the authors nor the Wound Reference, Inc. give any guarantee as to the accuracy of the information contained in them nor accept any liability, with respect to loss, damage, injury or expense arising from any such errors or omissions in the contents of the work.

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