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. 2016 Dec;17(4):593-601.
doi: 10.1007/s10561-016-9570-9. Epub 2016 Aug 13.

Disinfection of human cardiac valve allografts in tissue banking: systematic review report

M Germain  1 , D M Strong  2 , G Dowling  3 , J Mohr  4 , A Duong  5 , A Garibaldi  5 , N Simunovic  5 , O R Ayeni  6   7 ; Bioburden Steering Committee and Cardiac Tissue Working group
Collaborators, Affiliations

Disinfection of human cardiac valve allografts in tissue banking: systematic review report

M Germain et al. Cell Tissue Bank. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Cardiovascular allografts are usually disinfected using antibiotics, but protocols vary significantly between tissue banks. It is likely that different disinfection protocols will not have the same level of efficacy; they may also have varying effects on the structural integrity of the tissue, which could lead to significant differences in terms of clinical outcome in recipients. Ideally, a disinfection protocol should achieve the greatest bioburden reduction with the lowest possible impact on tissue integrity. We conducted a systematic review of methods applied to disinfect cardiovascular tissues. The use of multiple broad spectrum antibiotics in conjunction with an antifungal agent resulted in the greatest reduction in bioburden. Antibiotic incubation periods were limited to less than 24 h, and most protocols incubated tissues at 4 °C, however one study demonstrated a greater reduction of microbial load at 37 °C. None of the reviewed studies looked at the impact of these disinfection protocols on the risk of infection or any other clinical outcome in recipients.

Keywords: Bioburden; Cardiovascular allografts; Tissue banking; Tissue decontamination; Tissue donation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Production of this report has been made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada, and the Provincial and Territorial governments and has been facilitated by Canadian Blood Services. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Federal, Provincial, Territorial governments or Canadian Blood Services. Funds were provided by Canadian Blood Services to authors from McMaster University for their assistance in performing and writing the systematic review. No conflicts-of-interest were identified on disclosure forms completed by members of the Committee.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Screening process flow diagram
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