OBJECTIVETo evaluate the application value of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis of the depth of burn wound.

METHODSDeep partial-thickness scald models of Skh-1 mice were reproduced using self-made steam scald appliance. The scald wounds were scanned with OCT 3 hours, or 3 and 8 days after injury respectively. Scanned wound tissue was harvested for histological examination right after each episode of OCT imaging. Normal skin of mice was scanned and examined with the above-mentioned methods at the same time.

RESULTSCompared with those of the normal skin, collagen in the dermis was denatured after steam scald, and it was imaged as vanishing or reduction in birefringence in OCT detection. The structure change intensity was related to the pathological process of the wounds and consistent with the corresponding histological results.

CONCLUSIONSOCT is a noninvasive technique. It can be used to diagnose the depth of burn wound in real time.