QUANTIFICATION OF BURN-INDUCED EXTRAVASATION OF EVANS BLUE ALBUMIN BASED ON DIGITAL IMAGE-ANALYSIS

The present study evaluated a non-invasive method based on digital ima ge colour analysis that allows near-continuous quantification of extra vasated Evans blue albumin after burn injury. A full-thickness burn wa s induced in the abdominal skin of rats, followed by injection of Evan s blue dye. Tissue content of Evans blue were quantified using spectro photometry, and compared with digital colour analysis. The non-invasiv e technique demonstrated a good correlation when compared to invasive spectrophotometry, but is superior by allowing near continuous measure ment in the same subject and may be of value for evaluation of effecti ve burn oedema-reducing treatment. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.