investigation
Last reviewed 01/2018
Investigation of decubitus ulcers should include:
- FBC and film; if then indicated, serum folate, B12 and iron assays; correction of anaemia by transfusion or the specific deficit may be advantageous
- electrolytes at least weekly
- blood urea, screening for anaemia
- fasting glucose, assessing for diabetes mellitus
- consider thyroid function tests for myxoedema
- cultures from ulcer are not usually indicated as most wounds will be colonised by bacteria
- radiography of the wound in 2 planes to exclude spread to bone