Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

What type of tissue should never be cultured during a swab culture?

1. Granulation tissue

2. Viable, living tissue

3. Pus, slough, or eschar

4. Intact skin surrounding the wound

The correct answer is: Pus, slough, or eschar

In the context of wound care, it is essential to understand the significance of the type of tissue being cultured to accurately assess for infection and guide treatment. Swab cultures are intended to identify pathogenic microorganisms; however, certain tissue types are not appropriate for culture due to their nature and characteristics. Culturing pus, slough, or eschar is problematic because these materials are often the result of processes associated with infection or necrosis. They may contain a mixture of bacteria and cellular debris that does not accurately reflect the microbial population responsible for the wound condition. Instead, a culture from viable, living tissue would provide a clearer and more relevant picture of any underlying infection. Additionally, granulation tissue and viable, living tissue, when swabbed, can provide a more accurate representation of the local microbial flora and the body's response to healing. The intact skin surrounding a wound is also essential, as it can serve as a barrier to infection and is generally not associated with the pathological processes occurring within an open wound. Thus, culturing non-viable or necrotic substances like pus, slough, or eschar is not advisable, as it can lead to misleading results and hinder proper wound management.