Wound Classification

Question 1

Class I: Infection rate 1 - 5%

Answer 1

Incision made under ideal surgical conditions.
No break in sterile technique during procedure.
Primary closure.
No wound drain.
No entry to aerodigestive or genitourinary tract.

Question 2

Class IIL Clean contaminated: Infection rate 8 - 11%

Answer 2

Primary closure.
Wound drained.
Minor break in sterile technique occurred.
Controlled entry to aerodigestive (includes biliary tract) or genitourinary tract.

Question 3

Class III: Contaminated: Infection rate 15 - 20%

Answer 3

Open traumatic wound less than 4 hours old.
Major break in sterile technique occurred.
Acute inflammation present.
Entry to aerodigestive (includes biliary tract) or genitourinary tract with spillage.

Question 4

Class IV: Dirty/Infected: Infection rate 27 - 40%

Answer 4

Open traumatic wound more than 4 hours old.
Microbial contamination prior to procedure.
Perforated viscus.