How should amputated parts be transported?

• A. Wrap loosely with moist gauze; place in plastic bag
• B. Dry wrap; place in freezer
• C. Place directly on ice
• D. Transport in container w/ ice

Answer: (A)

Preserving amputated parts hinges on keeping the tissue moist, protected from contamination, and cooled without freezing. Wrapping the part in moist gauze and placing it in a plastic bag provides a humid, protective environment that helps maintain tissue viability during transport. Dry wrapping dries the tissue out, reducing the chance of successful reattachment. Placing the part directly on ice can cause cold injury to the tissue, and transporting in a container with ice without moisture doesn’t guarantee the tissue stays preserved. The best field practice is to keep the part moist inside a sealed bag and keep that bag cool during transport to definitive care.