Exams and Tests

At the hospital, the doctor will take a history and perform a physical examination to determine the extent and severity of the burn.

• In determining the extent of the burn, the doctor may use a tool called the "Rule of Nines." This tool is a formula that divides the surface area of the body into sections, each roughly 9%. Determining the amount of surface area burned helps the doctor decide on treatment of the burn.
  
  
• No special diagnostic tests are needed.
  
  
• The doctor will determine whether the burn or burns are superficial, partial thickness, or full thickness and begin treatment appropriately.