Viability assessment of allograft valves by autoradiography

Autoradiography using [(3)H]thymidine is a quantitative method to assess tissue viability. It has been found to be very useful in the organization of fresh aortic valve allograft banks. A brief description of the technique, as well as the marked difference in the active metabolism of fibro-blasts of valves placed in two storing solutions, is outlined.