Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Establishment of a Clinic-based Biorepository
Published on: May 29, 2017
Tissue recovery practices and bioburden: a systematic review
S Brubaker1, K Lotherington2, Jie Zhao3
1American Association of Tissue Banks, 8200 Greensboro Drive, Suite 320, Mclean, VA, 22102, USA.
Abstract:
For successful transplantation, allografts should be free of microorganisms that may cause harm to the allograft recipient. Before or during recovery and subsequent processing, tissues can become contaminated. Effective tissue recovery methods, such as minimizing recovery times (<24 h after death) and the number of experienced personnel performing recovery, are examples of factors that can affect the rate of tissue contamination at recovery. Additional factors, such as minimizing the time after asystole to recovery and the total time it takes to perform recovery, the type of recovery site, the efficacy of the skin prep performed immediately prior to recovery of tissue, and certain technical recovery procedures may also result in control of the rate of contamination. Due to the heterogeneity of reported recovery practices and experiences, it cannot be concluded if the use of other barriers and/or hygienic precautions to avoid contamination have had an effect on bioburden detected after tissue recovery. Qualified studies are lacking which indicates a need exists for evidence-based data to support methods that reduce or control bioburden.
Insights
Minimizing tissue contamination during recovery is crucial for successful transplantation. Factors like recovery time and personnel experience impact bioburden, but more evidence-based data is needed to confirm effective contamination control methods.
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.
