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Culture methods of allograft musculoskeletal tissue samples in Australian bacteriology laboratories

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Abstract

Samples of allograft musculoskeletal tissue are cultured by bacteriology laboratories to determine the presence of bacteria and fungi. In Australia, this testing is performed by 6 TGA-licensed clinical bacteriology laboratories with samples received from 10 tissue banks. Culture methods of swab and tissue samples employ a combination of solid agar and/or broth media to enhance micro-organism growth and maximise recovery. All six Australian laboratories receive Amies transport swabs and, except for one laboratory, a corresponding biopsy sample for testing. Three of the 6 laboratories culture at least one allograft sample directly onto solid agar. Only one laboratory did not use a broth culture for any sample received. An international literature review found that a similar combination of musculoskeletal tissue samples were cultured onto solid agar and/or broth media. Although variations of allograft musculoskeletal tissue samples, culture media and methods are used in Australian and international bacteriology laboratories, validation studies and method evaluations have challenged and supported their use in recovering fungi and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank staff at the Australian bacteriology laboratories and tissue banks who participated in the survey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Microbiology Department, CSB Level 3, The St. George Public Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia

    Kerry Varettas

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  1. Kerry Varettas
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Correspondence to Kerry Varettas.

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Varettas, K. Culture methods of allograft musculoskeletal tissue samples in Australian bacteriology laboratories. Cell Tissue Bank 14, 609–614 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-012-9361-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10561-012-9361-x

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