| Superficial incisional surgical site infection (SIP/SIS) | Deep incisional surgical site infection (DIP/DIS) | Organ/space surgical site infection |
Time of occurrence | Within 30 days after the operative procedure | Within 30 days after the operative procedure if no implant is left in place. Within 1 year if implant is in place | Within 30 days after the operative procedure if no implant is left in place. Within 1 year if implant is in place |
Anatomic area involved | Only skin and subcutaneous tissue of the incision | Deep soft tissues (e.g. fascial and muscle layers) of the incision | Any part of the body that is opened or manipulated during the operative procedure (excluding skin incision, fascia or muscle layers) |
Medical findings of infection | Purulent drainage from the superficial incision Organism isolated from an aseptically obtained culture of fluid or tissue from the superficial incision | Purulent drainage from the superficial incision (but not from the organ/space component of the surgical site) A deep incision spontaneously dehisces or is deliberately opened by surgeon and is culture-positive. | Purulent drainage from a drain that is placed through a stab wound into the organ/space Organism isolated from an aseptically obtained culture of fluid or tissue in the organ/space |
Other signs and symptoms (at least 1) | Pain or tenderness Localized swelling Redness or heat | Fever (>38˚C) Localized pain or tenderness Abscess or other evidence of infection involving the deep incision | Abscess or other evidence of infection involving the organ/space |