Using DETEC® Esterase to detect infections in chronic wounds

Non-interventional, Prospective, Single-blinded, Observational, Multicenter, Cohort, Clinical Study to Evaluate DETEC® Esterase for the Detection of Infections in Chronic Wounds

Observational Progenitec Inc. · NCT04614870

This study is testing a new device to see if it can help find infections in chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers by checking for certain markers in the wound fluid.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorProgenitec Inc. Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Arlington, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04614870 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the DETEC® Esterase device's ability to identify infections in chronic wounds by analyzing leukocyte esterase levels in wound exudates. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, or pressure ulcers will have their wound dressings tested for esterase activity, which correlates with clinical signs of infection. The study aims to determine the device's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting infections compared to clinical assessments by wound care specialists.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with chronic wounds showing clinical signs of infection, such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, or pressure ulcers.

Not a fit: Patients with autoimmune diseases, malignancies, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this device could provide a rapid and reliable method for detecting infections in chronic wounds, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of leukocyte esterase as a biomarker has been established in other contexts, this specific application in chronic wound infection detection is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult (21 years), male or female, inpatient/outpatient, presenting with a wound
* Chronic wound open for at least 30 days, including (Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), Wagner grade 1 to 3), (Pressure ulcers, stage 2 to 4), (Venous leg ulcers (VLU), confirmed by venous duplex/Doppler),
* For wounds on a lower extremity (i.e. DFU, VLU) an ankle-brachial index (ABI) of greater than 0.6 for the affected leg to ensure ischemia will not impact healing
* For diabetic foot ulcers - confirmed type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus with a hemoglobin A1C less than 10 percentage
* Wound shows clinical signs of infection - pain, erythema, edema, heat, surrounding erythema, swelling, or purulent exudate

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of autoimmune disease/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/Hepatitis
* Require treatment for primary or metastatic malignancy
* Any contra-indication to routine wound care and/or monitoring
* Women who are pregnant, lactating, or of childbearing potential and currently not taking adequate birth control
* Participation (less than 30 days prior to baseline) in an interventional trial which could have a potential effect on the study outcome, as determined by the Investigator
* Patients with a dry dressing

Where this trial is running

Arlington, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetic Foot UlcerVenous Leg UlcerPressure Ulcer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.