In the treatment of burn patients, there are a number of diagnostic tests that may be run by physicians. These techniques enable doctors to analyze the depth and severity of the burn beyond what a standard clinical evaluation can reveal. Learning the basics about these tests helps clarify the process for patients and their families.
Biopsy
Biopsy refers to removing and studying sample tissue. In the case of burn patients, biopsy is a diagnostic test that is useful because it examines the extent of collagen damage to the skin, vascular damage to the tissue, and damage to cell proteins in the skin.
Thermography
Other tests used for burn victims are less familiar than a standard biopsy. Thermography is the term for studies of burn temperature. When attempting to determine the exact depth of a burn wound, doctors can use thermography as a diagnostic tool because deeper wounds are cooler than more superficial wounds. There is reduced vascular perfusion, or blood circulation, to the deeper wounds, leading to a lower temperature.
Video Angiography
Another diagnostic test for burn evaluation is a process known as laser fluorescence videography. This sophisticated technique measures changes in the perfusion of tissues by injecting a substance called indiocyanine green intravenously. Damaged tissues have poor circulation, which is visualized by the videography.
Tags: burn patients, deeper wounds, diagnostic test
