WOUND INFECTION TESTING

When Healing Hits a Roadblock

A scrape, surgical incision, or lingering pressure sore should gradually improve, not grow redder, hotter, or more painful. Increasing swelling, drainage, foul odor, or stubborn soreness are strong signs that bacteria or fungi have moved in—particularly in people with diabetes, weakened immunity, or recent surgery. Because an untreated wound infection can spread to deeper tissue, trigger cellulitis, or escalate to sepsis, pinpointing the culprit early is essential for safe, effective care.

What the Test Involves & How It Works

At Precise Care Clinical Lab, we collect a gentle swab—or, when appropriate, a small tissue or fluid sample—directly from the affected area. That specimen is then examined with a multi-step approach:

• Gram Stain Microscopy – offers a rapid first look at bacteria type and density
• Aerobic & Anaerobic Cultures – grow organisms to confirm identity and quantity
• PCR-Based Detection – molecular testing that flags hard-to-cultivate microbes within hours
• Antimicrobial Susceptibility Analysis – reveals which antibiotics or antifungals will work best

By combining culture and molecular methods, we identify the exact pathogen and its resistance profile—so treatment can be targeted, not trial and error.