Types of studies
All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi randomised controlled trials comparing wound healing outcomes or infection rates in wounds cleaned with water and those cleaned with normal saline or any other solution were included in this review. A quasi randomised controlled trial uses a method of allocating participants that is not truly random e.g. according to date of birth (odd or even years) (Jadad 1998). Trials were included if they reported an objective measure of infection such as wound culture or biopsy and objective measures of healing such as change in surface area and wound depth. Trials that included only subjective measures of infection such as redness, purulent discharge or swelling around the affected area were also included in the review, however they were analysed separately. Trials undertaken in any country, irrespective of the tap water quality were included, and there was no restriction on the basis of the language in which the trial reports were written.