CompletedNot Applicable

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

United Kingdom11 participantsStarted 2022-01-19

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Undergoing surgery for acute pilonidal abscess * Aged 18 or over and able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unwilling or unable to provide informed consent * Patients who are unable to speak adequate English for informed consent

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Volatile Organic Compound detection

Timeframe: 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05154838

SponsorCardiff and Vale University Health Board

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2023-03-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pilonidal Abscess trials