Question:medium

Which of the following is NOT seen in the ASEPSIS score?

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Spell out the acronym letter by letter; the odd one out is not in it.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Erythema
  • Induration
  • Serous discharge
  • Purulent exudate
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Decode the acronym: ASEPSIS is itself the answer key. Each letter is a wound criterion: A for Additional treatment, S for Serous discharge, E for Erythema, P for Purulent exudate, S for Separation of deep tissues, I for Isolation of bacteria, S for Stay prolonged as inpatient.

Match the options: Erythema, serous discharge and purulent exudate all appear directly in the acronym, so three of the four choices are valid components and cannot be the negative answer.

The outlier: Induration never features in ASEPSIS, so it is the thing NOT seen, making option B correct.

Why it matters: ASEPSIS turns a subjective wound look into a number, with discharge, erythema and pus scored daily and the extra items added, so the total objectively grades surgical site infection and decides if you escalate to antibiotics, pus drainage or debridement.

Ref: Bailey and Love, Short Practice of Surgery, 27e, Pg 48.
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