At present, diagnosis of diabetic foot infections is based on inconsistent practice guidelines and by examination of the wound under white light with the naked eye. My current project is a Phase III randomized control trial testing the therapeutic benefit of a handheld fluorescence imaging device that detects bacterial autofluorescence in diabetic foot wounds in real-time and at the point-of-care. We are working to demonstrate that autofluorescence image-guided wound care shortens the time to wound healing, improves wound healing rates, reduces the quantity and species diversity of bacteria, improvise patient’s quality of life, and reduces wound treatment costs. Our findings will have the potential to directly inform patients and their clinicians of a more effective diagnostic and treatment method using autofluorescence technology, guide health policy decisions, and promote changes to current wound care practice guidelines.
