Intermediate
Technical
IVT
donor site
Area of unburned skin from which autograft is harvested for transplantation.
Full Definition
The anatomical location from which healthy skin is surgically removed for autograft transplantation to burned areas. Donor site selection considers factors including skin thickness, cosmetic visibility, and functional impact. Common donor sites include the thigh, buttocks, and scalp. The donor site creates a partial-thickness wound that must heal spontaneously and can potentially be re-harvested after adequate healing time.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as compound modifier; distinguish from recipient site.
In Context
- "The donor site on the posterior thigh healed appropriately without complications." — follow-up note
- "Limited donor site availability necessitated use of meshed autografts with 3:1 expansion." — surgical consultation
Also known as
graft donor site
harvest site
Contrasted with
recipient site
graft site
Don't confuse with
recipient site
graft bed