Healix360

Frequently Asked Question

Find answers to the most common questions about our wound care services. These FAQs will help you understand how Healix360 works and what to expect from our team.

What is Amniotic Tissue?

Amniotic tissue makes up the inner most portion of a woman’s placenta during pregnancy. It consists of amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid.

• Amniotic membrane is made of two layers: chorion on the outside and amnion on the inside.

• The amnion surrounds and contains the amniotic fluid, which protects the growing embryo/fetus.

• Amniotic tissue contains vital nutrients and growth factors essential for fetal growth, protection, and healing.

Where does Amniotic Tissue come from?

Amniotic tissue collection does not require fetal sacrifice.

• The tissues are donated by consenting, healthy women (ages 18–45) who have just delivered a full-term, healthy baby through elective C-section.

• Medical and social histories are collected to ensure donor eligibility.

• Donor blood samples are collected and thoroughly screened for communicable diseases.

How is Amniotic Tissue classified by the FDA?

• The FDA classifies amniotic tissue as an HCT/P (Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products).

• It is regulated under section 361 of the PHS Act and 21 CFR part 1271 if it meets certain criteria (minimally manipulated, intended for homologous use, not combined with other cells/tissues, and localized effect in vivo).

• If criteria aren’t met, it would be regulated as a drug, device, or biological product with pre-market review.

Is obtaining Amniotic Tissue ethical?

Yes. Collection of placental tissues causes no harm to the newborn baby or mother.

• The placenta is collected after a live birth via C-section.

• Mothers volunteer to donate tissues that are typically discarded after birth.

• This process does not require fetal sacrifice.

How is Amniotic Tissue collected and processed?

Collection:

• Collected at facilities nationwide following strict guidelines.

• Performed at time of C-section, saving placenta and amniotic fluid (usually discarded).

• No harm to baby or mother.

• All tissues tested for viability and safety.

Processing:

• Processed at AATB-accredited facilities.

• Maintains cellular components, growth factors, and extracellular matrix.

• Preserves healing characteristics and protective barrier properties.

• Tested per USP guidelines prior to release.

How is Amniotic Tissue used in wound repair?

Amniotic tissue is a regenerative biofactory that optimizes wound healing with:

• Cytokines, amino acids, carbohydrates, hyaluronic acid, and cellular components.

• Key growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins.

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, re-epithelialization, and anti-fibrotic properties.

• Published studies over 100 years of efficacy.

• Mitigation of Class II antigens, reducing immunogenicity and adverse reactions.

What ECM proteins are found in Amniotic Tissue?

• Collagen Types I, III, IV, V, VII

• Laminin

• Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs)

• Fibronectin

• Proteoglycans

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Cytokines, amino acids, carbohydrates, hyaluronic acid, and cellular components.

• Key growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins.

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, re-epithelialization, and anti-fibrotic properties.

• Published studies over 100 years of efficacy.

• Mitigation of Class II antigens, reducing immunogenicity and adverse reactions.

What growth factors are found in Amniotic Tissue?

• FGF — Fibroblast Growth Factor

• EGF — Epidermal Growth Factor

• VEGF — Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

• TGF-β1 — Transforming Growth Factor beta 1

• PDGF — Platelet-Derived Growth Factor AA and BB

• Cytokines

What are Amniotic Tissue allografts?

Amniotic tissue allografts are human amniotic membrane tissues minimally manipulated into a patch.

• Used to cover, protect, and nourish tissue.

• Contain growth factors, cytokines, and anti-inflammatory properties critical to wound healing.

On what type of wounds can you apply Amniotic Tissue Allografts?

• Incision wounds from open surgical procedures.

• Trauma wounds from accidents or repeated use.

• Hard-to-heal or chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers.

Are Amniotic Tissue Allografts safe?

Safe Tissue Handling:

• Procurement by qualified partners following protocols.

• Donors pre-screened via intensive review and examination.

• Disease testing by FDA-registered, CLIA labs.

• Allografts tested per USP standards.

Patient Reaction:

• Class II antigen expression is mitigated, reducing graft vs host reaction.

• GotWound.com allografts exclude chorion, reducing adverse reaction risk.

• Used in wound care for 100+ years with no reported adverse reactions.

How are Amniotic Tissue Allografts stored?

Can be safely stored at ambient temperature for up to 5 years.

Who can benefit from amniotic tissue products?

Amniotic tissue products are commonly used for patients with:

• Non-healing wounds such as diabetic ulcers, venous leg ulcers, or pressure sores.

• Post-surgical wounds that are slow to heal.

• Traumatic injuries where tissue regeneration is needed.

Are amniotic tissue products covered by insurance or Medicare?

Many amniotic tissue products are reimbursable by Medicare and private insurance if medically necessary. Coverage can depend on your condition and documentation provided by your healthcare provider.

Does using amniotic tissue involve any pain or additional procedures?

No additional surgical procedure is required. The allograft is applied directly to the wound site, usually in a clinical setting, and is typically painless.

How often do amniotic tissue allografts need to be applied?

The frequency depends on the wound’s condition and healing progress. Some patients may require weekly applications, while others need fewer.

Can amniotic tissue be used with other treatments?

Yes. Amniotic tissue allografts can often be used alongside standard wound care treatments, dressings, and therapies to enhance healing.

Is there a risk of disease transmission?

All donor tissues are rigorously screened, tested, and processed in FDA-registered facilities to minimize any risk of disease transmission.

How soon can I expect results after amniotic tissue application?

Many patients experience noticeable improvement within weeks, but complete healing depends on wound size, location, and overall health factors such as circulation and diabetes control.

Is there an age limit for patients receiving amniotic tissue allografts?

No strict age limit, but your healthcare provider will determine suitability based on your medical history and wound type.

Can amniotic tissue be used for cosmetic or elective procedures?

While primarily used for medical wound care, some physicians use amniotic tissue in regenerative or aesthetic procedures. Always consult your provider for details.