Prolonged life and improved quality for stored skin grafts.

This study is presented as both a follow-up and an extension of previous work on storage techniques for the preservation of skin by refrigeration. Rabbit skin grafts were used to compare the merits of various storage media. One of the media, McCoy's 5A plus serum, gave improved skin graft take and storage half-life. The ability to improve skin graft storage techniques is most beneficial to all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery where skin grafting is required. Prolonged graft viability and improved graft quality are of major clinical importance.