A Comprehensive Scoping Review on the Use of Point-Of-Care Infrared Thermography Devices for Assessing Various Wound Types
Summary: A comprehensive scoping review published in the International Wound Journal (2025) by Samia Rahman, Tessa Ogilvie, Daria Okonski, Kaitlyn Ramsay, Ryan Geng, Jessica Tesarek, Laura Swoboda, and Robert D. J. Fraser evaluates the clinical utility of point-of-care infrared thermography devices in wound assessment, spanning diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, venous leg ulcers, and surgical wounds. The review synthesizes current evidence on diagnostic accuracy, usability, and limitations in real-world practice.
Key Highlights:
- Infrared thermography enables non-invasive assessment of wound temperature gradients, which can signal early infection or impaired perfusion.
- Devices are portable and increasingly affordable, making them feasible for bedside and outpatient settings.
- Evidence suggests potential for predicting complications in high-risk wounds, but standardization of protocols and validation across diverse populations are lacking.
- Further studies are needed to integrate thermography into routine clinical pathways and assess its impact on outcomes.
Read the full review in International Wound Journal
Keywords:
infrared thermography,
wound assessment,
diabetic foot ulcer,
pressure injury,
venous leg ulcer,
surgical wounds,
Samia Rahman,
Tessa Ogilvie,
Daria Okonski,
Kaitlyn Ramsay,
Ryan Geng,
Jessica Tesarek,
Laura Swoboda,
Robert D. J. Fraser