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Lab Research
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An Evaluative Survey Regarding the Use of Odor as a Diagnostic for Infection: Does the Concept Stink? First Author: Cynthia Fleck, MBA, BSN, RN, ET/WOCN, CWS Authors: Michael Miller, DO, FACOS, FAPWCA, CWS Background: Wound odor is a not only a palliative problem but often a function of critical colonization and/or infection. Odor is associated with organisms known to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), volatile compounds that are the metabolic by-products of anaerobic bacterial metabolism such as bacteroides spp and anaerobic cocci. Problem: Not everyone interprets wound malodor in the same way, making clinical diagnosis of odor problematic. Objective: Collect data from multidisciplinary wound care professionals regarding their opinions on wound odor and infection. Methodology: A survey will be conducted at the 2007 SAWC to ascertain wound management practitioners' opinions on wound odor. Below are some of the true and false questions that will be posed: 1. Regardless of the wound's appearance, a "foul" odor is enough to make me suspicious of wound infection? 2. Is it possible for an infected wound to heal? 3. When a patient has a wound that is not improving, does the benefit outweigh the risk of beginning topical antimicrobials and prophylactic systemic antibiotics? Results: Results of the survey will be presented at next year's SAWC in 2008. Conclusion: Information regarding clinicians' attitudes about odor will provide a backdrop for education and further investigation into the phenomenon of wound odor and its etiology and treatment. |
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