Experimental Burn Induction in Laboratory Animals: A Scoping Review of Methods, Reproducibility, Operator-Dependent...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Translational Research
• Experimental Surgery

Background:

• Experimental animal models are vital for burn research and soft-tissue reconstruction.
• Methodological inconsistencies in these models compromise reproducibility and translation of results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review burn induction methods in animal models.
• To assess reproducibility, depth modulation, wound area stability, validation, and operator variability.

Main Methods:

• A PRISMA-ScR systematic review was performed using multiple databases.
• In vivo animal studies were screened and data charted by independent reviewers.
• Evidence was mapped by burn modality, exposure control, validation, and operator-dependent factors.

Main Results:

• Significant variation exists in species, burn modalities (contact, scald, steam, radiant/infrared), and device designs.
• Wound area exhibited higher reproducibility than depth, which was influenced by numerous factors.
• Operator-sensitive variability was identified in force, alignment, and exposure geometry.

Conclusions:

• Burn induction is a measurement system challenge requiring standardization.
• Constraining operator-sensitive variables and standardizing validation timing can enhance study validity.
• Quantitative reporting of variability is essential for improving comparability and translation in burn research.