Purulent Cellulitis
Diagnostics

Diagnostics

Diagnostics

Cellulitis is a clinical diagnosis based on appearance and symptoms

Can be negative and of low yield in the absence of systemic signs of inflammation

Consider For:

  • Febrile or hypothermic
  • Clinically unstable
  • Extensive cellulitis
  • Immunocompromised
  • Severe post-surgical wounds
  • With I&D or aspirate of furuncles, carbuncles and abscesses send purulent fluid for culture
  • Swab has lower yield than fluid culture
  • May help define extent/depth of collection
  • May help define extent/depth of collection (e.g., ischiorectal abscess)