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Procedure for Maggot Debridement Therapy

Dr. Sherman and his associates at the BTER Foundation have recommended specific procedures for maggot debridement therapy.

Prior to treatment, maggots will have been ordered and will arrive in a sterile container.
The container should be examined to make sure it is not damaged in any way and that the seal is intact.
The maggots should appear active and viable.
The maggots should be used immediately, if possible.
Only licensed personnel (RN, LVN) who have been trained in the procedure should apply maggot debridement therapy dressings, but any licensed personnel may remove the dressings.
Outer dressings used to collect drainage may be changed by any staff that are allowed to do so by hospital policy.
Patients, family, and caregivers may be taught to remove maggot debridement therapy and/or change outer dressings.
Maggot therapy should not be used to treat wounds that are not exposed to the outside, and wounds should never be allowed to close over the maggots.
Patients should not be treated with more than 3000 maggots at one time, regardless of the extent of lesions.

The BTER (Bio-Therapeutics Education & Research) Foundation is a rich resource for information on this course's objectives.

Please access this link to their home page and be prepared to answer the following question on your posttest.

What is the definition of Biotherapy?

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Only licensed personnel who have been trained in the procedure should apply maggot debridement therapy.