Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is the gold standard for obtaining a wound culture?

1. Moist swab technique

2. Punch biopsy

3. Damp swab technique

4. Fluid aspiration

The correct answer is: Punch biopsy

The gold standard for obtaining a wound culture is the punch biopsy method. This technique involves using a specialized instrument to remove a small cylindrical section of tissue from the wound bed, which allows for a more accurate assessment of the types of microorganisms present. By collecting a sample of actual tissue, as opposed to just surface contaminants or debris, a punch biopsy provides a more representative culture of the wound environment. This is particularly important because wound infections can often be influenced by the deeper layers of tissue, which may not be adequately represented in cultures obtained from swabs. In contrast to the punch biopsy, methods like moist swab and damp swab techniques primarily collect surface bacteria, which may not reflect the true microbial profile. Fluid aspiration, while useful in certain scenarios, typically targets fluid accumulation rather than providing a complete tissue sample. Therefore, punch biopsy is preferred when the intent is to achieve the most accurate culture results, ensuring effective management of the wound and appropriate antibiotic therapy if needed.