Method of obtaining and preparation of fresh human amniotic membrane for clinical use.

Amniotic membrane was obtained from 36 mothers seronegative for hepatitis B surface antigen and syphilis, undergoing caesarean section. Membrane was separated from placenta and was washed first with saline and then saline solution containing penicillin. The processed membrane was found to be sterile and useable for up to one week. Of 36 placentas obtained, 33 were utilized in 22 patients, with no history of penicillin allergy, as biological dressing in acute burns. Each patient received three applications of membrane one every other day, over a period of six days. This method of obtaining amniotic membrane was simple and more practical for maintaining the biological effectiveness of membrane, as shown by quantitative reduction of bacterial counts in burn wounds.