Wound exudate (wound leakage/oozing)

Preventing infection in social care settings
NHS Education for Scotland

Potential infection risk guideline

Infection prevention is one of the most important components of effective wound management. There is a risk of infection from wound leakage/oozing which should be managed using SICPs.

By following these Standard Infection Control Precautions you can minimise infection risks to yourself and the person you care for – promoting better healing and recovery.

 

Scenario: Mrs. Ali has developed a large pressure ulcer following a below knee amputation. When undertaking positional changes, you notice that the wound oozing has leaked out of the side of the dressing and onto the residents/persons clothing and chair.

 

What Standard Infection Control Precautions should I use?

For detailed instruction on how to apply these Standard Infection Control Precautions, please see the links below.