Wound exudate is the drainage of liquid from open wounds in the body. It is important to note that this drainage comes from the liquid generated by the body as a response to tissue damage. When changing the dressings, the wound exudate should be checked for proper consistency, color, odor and quantity. The specific type of exudate indicates how the wound is progressing and healing.
Serous
Serous wound exudate appears clear or straw-colored. It is important to note that this serious material arises from protein and fluid in the tissue. At certain times, the serous material can leak through the swollen skin when an individual suffers from a critical condition. The serous drainage supports the healing process and contains protein, sugar, electrolytes, white cells and some microorganisms. Fibrin and platelets utilized in the clotting process appear in the fluid during the initial 48-72 hours of formation of a wound to prevent bleeding. In addition, serous wound exudate occurs as a normal part of the healing process.
Sanguinous
Sanguinous wound exudate is described as red drainage due to trauma to a blood vessel that can occur with the cleaning of a wound or excessive movement of an individual with a wound right after sustaining one. The consistency of this wound exudate appears watery and thin. This exudate represents an uncommon finding in a wound.
Serosanguinous
Serosanguinous wound exudate appears pink due to the presence of a small amount of blood cells with serous drainage. The consistency is thin and watery that appears normally in the healing of wounds and usually pinkish in color. This is due to the yellow liquid that combines with the small blood droplets.
Purulent
Purulent wound exudate is described as thick yellow, green or gray drainage that drains out of a wound when infection invades the affected area. The fluid contains pathogenic microorganisms together with white cells, dead or dying bacteria as well as inflammatory cells. Once the wound is infected, the volume of the purulent wound exudate increases.
Hemorrhaging
Hemorrhaging simply indicates the leakage of the blood vessels putting out blood. It is important to note that the consistency is denser than sanguinous exudate. In such cases, emergency care is required to help control the bleeding if substantial blood flow occurs from the wound site. Remember that hemorrhaging indicates an abnormal discovery in a wound.
Cerebral spinal fluid
After being involved in traumatic events, a back or head wound might cause seepage of clear, faintly tacky fluid from the chambers in the head or canal around the spinal cord. The seepage of the cerebral spinal fluid is regarded as a medical emergency. The location of the leaking cerebral wound requires a sterile situation in order to allow the fluid to flow out, but not allow bacteria to enter.
Slough and necrotic tissue
Aside from the wound exudates, abnormal tissue can exist in the wound especially in chronic wounds or those with slow healing. A slough is described as a yellow fibrinous tissue comprised of fibrin, protein material and pus. The necrotic tissue that contains dead cells and debris forms in the wound due to lack of blood supply to the area. The doctor will remove both the slough and necrotic tissue to allow healing.