TECHNOLOGY
Fluorescence Imaging: Detecting Infections Before They Spread
HW
Heritage Wound Care Team
Technology
August 5, 2025
7 min read
Heritage Wound Care Team
Technology
Identifying wound infections early can mean the difference between successful healing and serious complications. Fluorescence imaging technology enables wound care specialists to detect bacterial presence up to 48 hours before visible signs of infection appear, revolutionizing how we prevent and manage wound-related sepsis.
Fluorescence imaging works by illuminating wounds with specific wavelengths of light. Certain bacteria naturally produce porphyrins, molecules that fluoresce (glow) when exposed to this light. The imaging device captures these fluorescent signals, creating a visual map of bacterial presence in the wound.
The technology can detect bacterial loads as low as 10^4 colony-forming units per gram of tissue, well before the traditional clinical signs of infection (redness, warmth, purulent drainage) become apparent. This early detection window provides a crucial opportunity for targeted intervention.
48hrs
Early detection before symptoms appear
40%
Reduction in antibiotic usage
85%
Decrease in sepsis risk
30sec
Time required for assessment
Wound-related sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in elderly patients, particularly those in long-term care settings. By detecting bacterial overgrowth before it progresses to systemic infection, fluorescence imaging plays a critical role in sepsis prevention.
This early warning system allows clinicians to implement targeted interventions such as topical antimicrobial therapy or more aggressive wound care protocols before infections become life-threatening. The technology has dramatically improved outcomes for high-risk patients.
"Fluorescence imaging gives us eyes to see what was previously invisible. We can now intervene before infections escalate, preventing hospitalizations and saving lives. It's truly revolutionary technology."
One significant benefit of fluorescence imaging is its role in antibiotic stewardship. By identifying which wounds truly require antimicrobial intervention and which do not, this technology helps reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure. This targeted approach combats the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria while ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment when needed.
Discover how fluorescence imaging can improve wound care outcomes at your facility.
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