All Pathways
Plastic SurgeryDiagnostic
Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm
Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm: Burn Injury Assessment → Wound Appearance → Superficial (1st Degree) → Conservative Care.
Pathway Overview
9 steps
Algorithm Steps
9 total
01Start 02Decision Wound Appearance
03Action Superficial (1st Degree)
Erythema, dry, painful, no blisters
- Sunburn-like
- Blanches with pressure
- Heals 3-5 days
04End Conservative Care
Moisturizer, analgesia, no dressing needed
05Action Superficial Partial (2nd Degree)
Blisters, moist, very painful
- Pink/red wound bed
- Brisk capillary refill
- Heals 7-21 days
06End Wound Care
Debride blisters, antimicrobial dressing
07Action Deep Partial (2nd Degree)
Pale, decreased sensation
- Sluggish capillary refill
- May need excision/grafting
- Heals 21-35+ days with scarring
- Path rejoins step 06Shared downstream outcome
08Action Full Thickness (3rd Degree)
Waxy, leathery, no sensation
- No blanching
- Thrombosed vessels
- Requires excision and grafting
09End Surgical Evaluation
Burn center referral, likely excision/grafting
Guideline Source
ABA Guidelines for Burn Wound Assessment
Clinical Safety Information
Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment
Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.
Known Limitations
- Depth may evolve over 48-72 hours
- Difficult to assess in dark skin tones
- LDI may aid indeterminate cases
- Chemical and electrical burns behave differently
Applicable Regions
USAUUKEU
AU: ANZBA guidelines
UK: Similar NICE guidance
US: ABA classification
Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01
Next steps
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Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm?
The Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm is a diagnostic clinical algorithm for Plastic Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on ABA Guidelines for Burn Wound Assessment.
What guideline is the Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm based on?
This algorithm is based on ABA Guidelines for Burn Wound Assessment (DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2016.03.001).
What are the limitations of the Burn Depth Assessment Algorithm?
Known limitations include: Depth may evolve over 48-72 hours; Difficult to assess in dark skin tones; LDI may aid indeterminate cases; Chemical and electrical burns behave differently. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.
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