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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Human Pancreatic Islet Isolation: Part I: Digestion and Collection of Pancreatic Tissue
Published on: May 26, 2009
Microbial surveillance during human pancreatic islet isolation
1Cell Isolation and Transplantation Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Objectives:
The study aim was to investigate the microbiological safety of islet isolation and transplantation.
Materials And Methods:
Between 1996 and 2002, prospective microbiological screening was performed on all pancreata procured for islet transplantation. Pancreas transport media and postpurification preparations were screened for microbiological contamination. Prior to isolation, pancreata were washed with either Hanks solution (group I, n = 170) or decontaminated with antiseptic and antimicrobial drugs (group II, n = 45).
Results:
Microbiological contamination of the pancreas preservation media was shown in 62%. Analysis of the contaminants showed 74% gram-positive, 21% gram-negative organisms, and 5% fungi. The donor condition or procurement center did not influence the contamination rate. Longer pancreas transport duration was significantly associated with bacterial contamination (P <.05). In group I, 16 (9.4%) of 170 islet preparations presented microbial contamination at the end of the isolation procedures. Gram-positive organisms were present in 10 (6%), gram-negative organisms in 4 (2.4%), and fungi in 2 (1.2%) preparations. Four islet preparations (2.4%) from pancreata with noninfected transport medium were positive on postpurification cultures, all with gram-positive organisms. In group II, only 2 of 45 islet preparations (4.4%) presented microbial contamination at the end of the isolation process.
Conclusions:
The rate of microbial contamination during pancreas procurement and transport is high. Significant contaminants present when beginning islet isolation become undetectable by the conclusion of isolation. Diminishing the bio-burden by pancreas decontamination reduces the risk of contamination of the final islet preparation.
Insights
Microbiological contamination is frequent during pancreas procurement for islet transplantation. Decontaminating pancreata significantly reduces microbial contamination in the final islet preparations, enhancing safety.
Area of Science:
- Transplantation immunology
- Microbiology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Islet isolation and transplantation are critical for treating type 1 diabetes.
- Microbiological safety is paramount to prevent complications and ensure graft survival.
- Pancreas procurement and transport are potential sources of microbial contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the microbiological safety of islet isolation and transplantation.
- To identify the prevalence and types of microbial contamination in procured pancreata.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a decontamination protocol in reducing microbial burden.
Main Methods:
- Prospective microbiological screening of pancreata and transport media from 1996-2002.
- Comparison of islet preparations from pancreata washed with Hanks solution versus those decontaminated with antiseptic/antimicrobial agents.
- Analysis of microbial contaminants including gram-positive organisms, gram-negative organisms, and fungi.
Main Results:
- 62% of pancreas preservation media showed microbial contamination.
- Longer transport duration correlated with increased bacterial contamination.
- Pancreas decontamination reduced contamination rates in final islet preparations from 9.4% to 4.4%.
Conclusions:
- High rates of microbial contamination occur during pancreas procurement and transport.
- Pancreas decontamination effectively diminishes the bio-burden.
- Decontamination reduces the risk of contamination in the final islet preparation, improving microbiological safety.
