06.04.2026 18:18
In the Adana City Training and Research Hospital Skin Bank and Tissue Laboratory, human skin donated over the past year is processed and stored for use when needed.
Turkey's first and only skin bank and tissue laboratory, established last year under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, contributes to the recovery of patients undergoing treatment for severe burns.
SKINS TAKEN FROM DECEASED PERSONS ARE STORED FOR UP TO 5 YEARS
At the center, skins obtained from deceased individuals through donations after aesthetic surgeries can be processed and stored for 2 to 5 years. The processed and stocked skins are transplanted to patients with severe burns on their bodies, allowing them to gain time in their treatments until new skin is formed from their own cells.
The laboratory also provides the skins in its stock to requesting health centers in accordance with quality standards.
"WE PLAN TO REACH A LEVEL THAT WILL BE SUFFICIENT FOR ALL OF TURKEY"
Prof. Dr. Koray Daş, the head of the Burn Center at Adana City Training and Research Hospital, told AA reporter that the skin bank and tissue laboratory, which is at the center of health policies in many developed countries, plays a critical role in the treatment of many individuals who suffer burn injuries, especially in situations such as wars, terrorist incidents, or major accidents.
Daş explained that intensive operations related to human skins obtained through donations have been ongoing at the center, which was opened last year within the hospital, and noted that they are conducting studies related to the innermost layer of the placenta surrounding the fetus in the womb (amniotic membrane).
Daş stated that they produce this layer, which is frequently used in burn and wound treatment and especially in certain areas of plastic surgery, in two forms: one for live protection and the other for long-lasting durability.
"IT PLAYS A VERY CRITICAL ROLE IN TREATMENT"
Daş mentioned that they are continuing their studies related to skin grafts (surgical procedure where skin tissue is transferred from one area to another), saying, "These are products that can be taken from another person and applied to another person, and we can store them on the shelf for 5 years. They play a very critical role in treatment, especially in the treatment of severe burns."
Prof. Dr. Daş also mentioned that they are conducting studies related to connective tissue scaffolding at the skin bank and tissue laboratory.
Daş noted that they have achieved good results in patients who underwent skin transplantation, stating, "We have reached a production of 200,000 square centimeters in amniotic membrane, which is a significant figure. We have a daily production capacity of over 5,000 square centimeters for amniotic membrane. It is used very frequently. In other skin derivatives, we have reached about 50,000 to 60,000 square centimeters. With donations and increased awareness, we plan to reach a level that will be sufficient for all of Turkey."
Daş provided information that their stocks are obtained through donations from the relatives of deceased individuals after aesthetic surgeries. Emphasizing that the main source of this work worldwide is skins obtained as donations from deceased individuals, Daş noted that this awareness is just beginning to form in Turkey.
"WE DO NOT TAKE ALL OF THE SKIN FROM DECEASED PERSONS"
Daş emphasized the need to raise awareness in society regarding skin donation, stating, "We need to explain that these are very important tissues, just like liver, kidney donations, or corneas. We do not take all of the skin from deceased patients; we only take a thin layer of skin from the back and leg areas. It is often not even noticeable on the deceased person. These save the lives of so many babies, children, and individuals that we truly believe that when people know this and we communicate it well to society, they will find it very easy to make these donations. Those who wish to donate can inform the centers or hospitals where they are being treated, and if they reach out to us, we can process and use these tissues for the lives of other people."