Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
11:35
Dual-mode Imaging of Cutaneous Tissue Oxygenation and Vascular Function
Published on: December 8, 2010
16.9K
New Application for the Early Detection of Wound Infections Using a Near-Infrared Fluorescence Device and
Ha Jong Nam1, Se Young Kim1, Hwan Jun Choi2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi 39371, Republic of Korea.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Near-infrared autofluorescence imaging (Fluobeam®) and thermal imaging (FLIR®) can help detect chronic wound infections. These noninvasive tools provide insights into bacterial and fungal burdens, aiding clinical decisions and improving wound care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Wound Care
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Accurate identification of chronic wound infections is crucial but challenging.
- Near-infrared autofluorescence (Fluobeam®) visualizes microbial fluorescence without contrast agents.
- Thermal imaging (FLIR®) detects inflammation-related thermal changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the utility of Fluobeam® and FLIR® for detecting bacterial and fungal infections in chronic wounds.
- Compare imaging findings with microbiological and clinical data.
- Assess the combined diagnostic potential of these noninvasive modalities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective clinical study of 33 patients with suspected wound infections.
- Concurrent autofluorescence imaging (Fluobeam®) and thermal imaging (FLIR®).
- Comparison of imaging results with culture, clinical signs, and microbial burden.
Main Results:
- Fluobeam® showed 78.3% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity for culture-positive infections.
- Fluorescence intensity strongly correlated with microbial burden (r=0.76, p<0.01) and clinical indicators.
- High-fluorescence pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida spp. were consistently identified.
Conclusions:
- Autofluorescence and thermal imaging offer complementary, noninvasive insights into wound infections.
- Combined use may improve infection detection and support clinical decision-making.
- Enhanced diagnostic capabilities can lead to better wound care outcomes.
