Current procedures for banking allograft human bone.

The demand for bone and soft tissues for surgical usage has increased rapidly as the efficacy and safety of these materials has been demonstrated. Advances in technology and procedures used to prepare the tissues have also grown in sophistication and remain a dynamic area. How tissue banks screen donors and prepare allografts impacts on the risks and benefits of these materials. Surgeons should understand how tissue banks supplying their graft materials work and have confidence in this treatment option. They will then be prepared to educate their patients to help them make informed decisions concerning allograft usage.