Wundabstriche

Wundabstriche are medical specimens collected from wounds for laboratory analysis. The primary purpose of a Wundabstrich is to identify the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, that may be causing or contributing to an infection. This information is crucial for healthcare professionals to select the most appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatment, a process known as targeted therapy.

The collection procedure typically involves gently swabbing the wound surface with a sterile cotton swab. Care is taken to avoid contaminating the swab with normal skin flora or environmental microbes. The swab is then placed in a sterile container, often with a transport medium to preserve the viability of any microorganisms present, and sent to a laboratory.

In the laboratory, the Wundabstrich undergoes various tests, including microscopy, culture, and susceptibility testing. Microscopy can provide a preliminary identification of certain types of microorganisms. Culture involves growing the microorganisms on nutrient media, which allows for their identification and quantification. Susceptibility testing, also known as an antibiogram or sensitivity testing, determines which antibiotics are effective against the isolated microorganisms, guiding treatment decisions.

The results of a Wundabstrich are essential for effective wound management, particularly in cases of chronic or non-healing wounds where infection is suspected. Prompt and accurate identification of pathogens allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing complications, promoting faster healing, and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.