CDC/NHSN Criteria for Infection of a Decubitus Ulcer (DECU)

 

Patient selection: decubitus ulcer

 

An infection of a decubitus ulcer may be superficial or deep.

 

Criteria for decubitus ulcer infection – all of the following:

(1) 2 or more of the following:

(1a) redness

(1b) tenderness

(1c) swelling and edema of wound edges

(2) no other explanation

(3) one or more of the following:

(3a) a properly collected specimen is positive for microorganisms

(3b) positive blood cultures

 

where:

• Purulent drainage by itself is not definitive evidence of an infection.

• A superfricial swab of the ulcer is not a proper specimen. The specimen should be a needle aspirate of fluid or a tissue biopsy from the edge of the ulcer.