Tissue recovery practices and bioburden: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Science
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Allograft transplantation success depends on microbial-free tissues to prevent recipient harm.
• Tissue contamination can occur during recovery or processing, posing risks to transplant recipients.
• Current understanding of contamination control during tissue recovery is limited by heterogeneous practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing microbial contamination rates during tissue allograft recovery.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of various tissue recovery methods in controlling bioburden.
• To highlight the need for evidence-based data on contamination control in tissue recovery.

Main Methods:

• Review of factors affecting tissue contamination rates during recovery.
• Analysis of recovery parameters including time post-mortem, personnel experience, and recovery site.
• Examination of skin preparation efficacy and technical recovery procedures.

Main Results:

• Minimizing recovery times (e.g., <24 hours post-mortem) and using experienced personnel can reduce contamination.
• Factors such as time to recovery post-asystole, total recovery duration, recovery site, skin preparation, and technical procedures may influence contamination.
• The impact of additional barriers and hygienic precautions on bioburden remains inconclusive due to varied practices.

Conclusions:

• Several factors during tissue recovery can influence microbial contamination rates.
• There is a significant lack of qualified studies and evidence-based data to support specific methods for reducing bioburden.
• Further research is required to establish standardized, effective protocols for minimizing contamination in tissue allograft recovery.