The use of human demineralized bone matrix (DBM) powder in periodontal and
orthopedic applications is limited by the variability in the osteoinductive
or osteoconductive properties of the material. The goal of the present stu
dy was to establish simple in vitro and in vivo assays of DBM that would al
low us to screen different lots of the material prior to testing in more ri
gorous animal models, The results demonstrate a wide variability in the per
formance of individual lots of DBM powder obtained from a single tissue ban
k. The studies also demonstrate that relatively simple screening can be use
d to establish the quality of the different lots, and that performance and
ease of handling can be improved by using relatively small particle sizes d
elivered in a fibrin sealant matrix.