Pressure Sores

Exams and Tests

Pressure sores are usually diagnosed with a physical examination.

Tests to confirm a diagnosis may include a:

• Skin and wound culture, to detect and identify organisms (bacteria or fungi) that may be infecting the skin or a wound.
• Skin biopsy, if the cause of a skin problem is unknown or your health professional suspects skin cancer.
• X-ray or other imaging study, such as MRI, to see if the bone is infected.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: March 5, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Margaret Doucette, DO - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wound Care, Hyperbaric Medicine
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