Fluorescent light can highlight bacteria hiding in wounds The technology lit up bacteria in 9 out of 10 wounds that traditional treatment would overlook Different bacteria turn different colors when exposed to violet light, allowing doctors to see and clean out the germs in real time FRIDAY, Aug. 30, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Fluorescent light can be used to highlight bacteria that hides in wounds, causing infections and slowing down the healing process, a new evidence review says. A handheld fluorescent device can light up bacteria in 9 out of 10 wounds that traditional clinical treatment would overlook, according to a study in the journal “We’re hopeful this new technology can help surgeons improve their accuracy when pinpointing and consequently removing bacteria from wounds and therefore improve patient outcomes, particularly for those with foot wounds,” said senior researcher , a podiatric surgeon and limb preservation specialist with the University of Southern California.
“The early detection and removal of bacteria from a wound is vital to preventing avoidable amputations,” he added in a university news release. More than 6.5 million Americans experience chronic wounds that don’t heal within a few months, researchers said in background notes.
Nearly all such wounds contain bacteria, and if not detected and removed, these germs can cause a severe infection that might end in amputation or death. Doctors cleaning out a wound do their best to remove as much bact.