VACUETTE(®) for burn depth assessment--a simple and novel alternative use for a ubiquitous phlebotomy device.

Abstract

The depth of any burn wound is an important determinant of its management and outcome. It also governs the outcome of wound healing and scarring making initial depth assessment extremely vital. Various methods both invasive and non-invasive have been described in literature for burn depth estimation. We describe a useful adjunct to clinical burn depth assessment, a VACUETTE(®) venous blood sampling device. This single cheap, ubiquitous and sterile device usually used for phlebotomy allows subjective assessment of the most useful parameters in the assessment of burn wounds, including, capillary refill, evaluation of sensation to blunt and sharp stimuli including pain.