Measure wounds without the DECU–STICK

How to measure wounds without the DECU–STICK  (sterile cotton swab with ruler)

1.    Cut the package without damaging the stick.

2.    Slide the stick out of the package just beyond the largest diameter of the wound; keep the stick sterile.

3.    Place the tip of the stick on the edge of the wound where the diameter is largest.

4.    Slide the package back to the opposite edge of the wound.

5.    Read the largest diameter of the wound with the ruler. Round off the distance upward to the nearest 0.5 cm (7 cm in this case).

6.    Record the distance on the “Wound Registration Form” (see the Manual on recording wounds).   

7.    In the same manner, measure the width of the wound perpendicular to the largest diameter and, if present, the depth and undermining.