Development of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Analysis as a Potential Diagnostic for Infected and Non-Healing Wounds

The study aims to assess the feasibility of detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from pilonidal wound dressings to assemble a VOC profile for the assessment of wound healing trends. Non-healing wounds (NHWs) pose a significant burden to healthcare providers and to affected patients. Difficulties arise in the identification of wounds which are not on a healing trajectory. Early identification allows for proactive management to try and reduce healing time. Recent studies indicate that wound VOCs may have the potential to differentiate between healing and non-healing wounds. This study will use pilonidal abscesses for the analysis of wound VOC profiles using a non-invasive technique.