Diagnostic Testing at Sana Wound Care
Diagnosis typically revolves around determining the severity of the patient’s injury and why it is not healing quickly or sufficiently. Screening tests may identify neurological disorders, signs of infection, protein deficiencies in your diet, undiagnosed diabetes, and other conditions that are important to know in wound care.
Diagnostic testing is a cornerstone of our approach to effective wound management. By providing critical insights into both the wound and the patient’s overall health, diagnostic testing allows us to tailor our treatment strategies to each individual’s needs.
Types of Diagnostic Tests
There are several routine tests typically performed to evaluate the scope of the wound, any possible inflammation, and other conditions that may impede the healing process. These tests enable our team to determine the exact course of action in treating our patients.
- Blood tests are routine to guide treatment programs. Any abnormalities in bloodwork need to be addressed for wound care to be effective. Bloodwork specifically looks for:
- Red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit to determine signs of anemia which can impair wound healing.
- White blood cell count, which may signal infections when high, or abnormal immune function when low. High or low, white blood cell count can signify a problem with the body’s ability to fight off infection.
- Platelet count – When platelets are low, wounds may bleed more, and debridement and other procedures may lead to excessive bleeding.
- Blood glucose/Hgb A1C – Many patients with diabetes develop chronic wounds that take a long time to heal. It is important that these patients do all they can to control blood glucose levels.
- Wound culture – Wound cultures can be used to determine whether a wound is infected with bacteria and, if it is, what type of bacteria is present.
These are just some of the blood tests available that can reveal a patient’s clinical condition and help determine whether any issues with healing are likely to occur. In addition, we typically perform the following tests:
- X-rays – X-rays can be used to identify whether a foreign object is present in the wound or surrounding tissue, whether a fracture is present, or whether there is an infection in the bone. An X-ray can reveal whether a wound is associated with a traumatic injury or when there is suspicion that the bone is infected.
- Arteriogram/Venogram – These tests are used to view the inside of arteries or veins and may be used to assess blocked or damaged veins or arteries or to assess the severity of venous or arterial disease.
Key Reasons Why Diagnostic Testing Is Important In Wound Care
As shown in the above range of tests that can be ordered, diagnostic tests provide detailed information about the wound’s size, depth, and characteristics. This thorough assessment is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. Diagnostic testing can reveal underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or vascular diseases, that may affect wound healing. This allows us to augment our care to address these root causes.
Improving Your Overall Health
Your health is important to us. We evaluate your nutritional status to identify deficiencies that could impact healing. This helps us to implement tailored nutritional interventions that support recovery.
Informed Decision-Making
The insights gained from diagnostic testing guide our decisions regarding interventions, whether they involve advanced wound therapies, surgical procedures, or referrals to specialists.
In summary, diagnostic testing provides essential information that determines our treatment plans, ensuring optimal patient results and promoting efficient healing.
