Firstline - Clinical Decisions

Guidelines

Lacerations

Note

Review tetanus status and administer booster immunization if needed

Outpatient Treatment

Prophylaxis (no current signs of infection)

Soft tissue infection, non-suppurative

Soft tissue infection w/ purulent drainage or abscess suspected

Inpatient Treatment

Prophylaxis (no current signs of infection)

Soft tissue infection, non-suppurative

Soft tissue infection w/ purulent drainage or abscess suspected

More Information

Last Updated: 6.1.21

References

Otterness K, J Singer A. Updates in emergency department laceration management. Clin Exp Emerg Med. 2019 Jun;6(2):97-105.
Roodsari GS, et al. The risk of wound infection after simple hand laceration. World J Emerg Med. 2015;6(1):44-7.
Mankowitz SL. Laceration Management. J Emerg Med. 2017 Sep;53(3):369-382.
Zehtabchi S, et al. Prophylactic antibiotics for simple hand lacerations: time for a clinical trial? Injury. 2012 Sep;43(9):1497-501.
Hollander JE, et al. Risk factors for infection in patients with traumatic lacerations. Acad Emerg Med. 2001 Jul;8(7):716-20.