Cadaveric allograft discards as a result of positive skin cultures

Introduction: the availability of cadaveric allograft is often limited by p otentially pathogenic microbial organisms. Little data exists on cadaveric allograft discard rates related to positive microbiology. The purpose of th is retrospective review was to determine the cadaveric allograft discard ra tes related positive microbiology and the subsequent breakdown of those org anisms involved. Methods: from January 1995 to June 1997, 1112 donors were screened and procured after informed consent had been obtained. The procedu res used were in accordance with American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB ) standards and guidelines. The number of discards due to positive skin cul tures was reviewed and analyzed for type of microbial organism. Results: fi fty-four donors (4.9%) were discarded due to positive skin cultures. Methic illin resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, (MRSE), was the most predominan t organism (22.2%), Followed by gram negative rods as a group (18.5%), with Aspergillus species being the least predominant isolate. Conclusion: despi te the strict adherence to AATB protocol. microbial contamination of cadave ric allograft skin does not roach zero. It is not surprising that S. epider midis was the predominant isolate, since skin is one of its common habitats . Continued vigilance in microbial testing remains paramount to ensure the quality of the allograft. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All right s reserved.