The clinical utility of autofluorescence imaging for bacterial detection in wounds: A systematic review

Badrie, Sadie, Moore, Zena ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4692-9718, Patton, Declan, O'Connor, Tom and Derwin, Rosemarie 2025. The clinical utility of autofluorescence imaging for bacterial detection in wounds: A systematic review. International Wound Journal 22 (6) , e70678. 10.1111/iwj.70678

PDF - Published Version Download (592kB)

Abstract

This systematic review evaluated the clinical utility and diagnostic accuracy of autofluorescence imaging in detecting bacterial presence in wounds. A literature search was conducted in January 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational studies assessing autofluorescence imaging for wound bacterial detection. Seventeen studies were included; sixteen assessed the MolecuLight i:X device, and one evaluated PRODIGI. Autofluorescence imaging demonstrated higher accuracy than White Light and Clinical Signs and Symptoms‐based assessment in detecting bacterial burden. Five studies highlighted its role in enhancing swabbing techniques, with fluorescence‐guided sampling yielding higher bacterial counts than conventional methods. Ten studies reported significant bacterial reduction with autofluorescence‐guided debridement. Six studies emphasized its role in refining treatment decisions and accelerating wound healing. Quality appraisal was undertaken using Evidence‐Based Librarianship criteria, which deemed 10 studies valid, while 7 had limitations related to population representation. In conclusion, autofluorescence imaging enhances wound assessment by improving bacterial detection and may support more targeted clinical interventions. However, further research is needed to clarify its impact on infection control and long‐term healing outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Additional Information:	License information from Publisher: LICENSE 1: URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1742-4801
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	29 May 2025
Date of Acceptance:	29 April 2025
Last Modified:	29 May 2025 17:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178587

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item