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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff
Evaluating a bedsore
To evaluate your bedsore, your doctor will:
- Determine the size and depth of the ulcer
- Check for bleeding, fluids or debris in the wound that can indicate severe infection
- Determine if there are odors that indicate an infection or dead tissue
- Assess the area around the wound for signs of spreading tissue damage or infection
- Check for other pressure sores on the body
Questions from the doctor
Your doctor may ask you or your caregiver questions such as:
- When did the pressure sore first appear?
- What is the degree of pain?
- Have you had pressure sores in the past?
- How were they managed, and what was the outcome of treatment?
- What kind of care assistance is available?
- What is your routine for changing positions?
- What medical conditions have been diagnosed, and what is the current treatment?
- What is your normal daily diet?
- How much water and other fluids do you drink each day?
Tests
Your doctor may order the following tests:
- Blood tests to assess your nutritional status and overall health
- Tissue cultures to diagnose a bacterial or fungal infection in a wound that doesn't heal with treatment or is already a stage IV wound
- Tissue cultures to check for cancerous tissue if it's a chronic, nonhealing wound
References
- Bluestein D, et al. Pressure ulcers: Prevention, evaluation, and management. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1186.
- Dealey C. Skin care and pressure ulcers. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2009;22:421.
- Black J, et al. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel's updated pressure ulcer staging system. Dermatology Nursing/Dermatology Nurses' Association 2007;19:343.
- Pressure ulcers. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch126/ch126a.html. Accessed Jan. 25, 2011.
- Abrams GM. Chronic complications of spinal cord injury. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2011.
- Dorner B, et al. The role of nutrition in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment: National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel white paper. Advances in Skin & Wound Care 2009;22:212.
- Langemo DK, et al. Pressure ulcers in individuals receiving palliative care: A National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel white paper. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2010;23:59.
- Jaul E. Assessment and management of pressure ulcers in the elderly: Current strategies. Drugs & Aging. 2010;27:311.
- Garcia AD. Assessment and management of chronic pressure ulcers in the elderly. The Medical Clinics of North America. 2006;90:928.
- Tleyjeh I. Infectious complications of pressure ulcers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 30, 2011.
- Berlowitz D. Treatment of pressure ulcers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 30, 2011.
- Berlowitz D. Prevention of pressure ulcers. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 30, 2011.
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