Levine vs Essen: The Right Way to Swab Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Dr. D breaks down two standardized swab techniques—the Levine and the Essen rotary methods—and explains why proper wound cleansing and pressure-based sampling are critical to getting accurate cultures. Learn step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and when to use each method for diabetic foot ulcers.

This episode highlights evidence comparing each technique to deep tissue biopsy, real clinical case examples, and practical tips to reduce false negatives, detect anaerobes, and improve patient outcomes.