Viability in split-skin biopsies measured by a surface oxygen electrode.

A method for the evaluation of split-skin biopsies with an oxygen electrode is described. A Clark-type polarographic electrode is placed in controlled contact with the tissue in a thermostabilized chamber specially constructed for the purpose. The electrode allows the monitoring of the adjacent tissue-oxygen tension. Recordings on fresh tissue at different temperatures and post mortem tissue are performed. Fresh tissue yields oxygen-tension falls comparable to in vivo investigations performed by the transcutaneous oxygen electrode.