Definitions

Allograft
Tissue from a human donor that is surgically transplanted in another person after processing is called allograft. Bone, tendons, cartilage, skin, heart valves and veins are common types of tissues that are used for transplant to help patients in many different types of surgeries. Your doctor may also refer to this type of tissue as " donated human tissue."

Aseptic Processing
The use of methods to prevent, restrict or minimize contamination with microorganisms from the environment, personnel and/or equipment.

Autograft
Tissue surgically removed from one area of a person’s body, such as the iliac crest (in the hip) and transplanted in another site on the same person is called autograft. Using autograft creates two surgery sites on the body, which may lead to additional pain, risk and a possible longer hospital stay.

Donated Human Tissue
Tissue from a deceased human body. An individual is able to help others after his or her death by donating tissues that can be used in surgeries.

Irradiation
Small doses of ionizing radiation administered to sterilize tissue.

Microorganism
Entity of microscopic size, encompassing bacteria, fungi and viruses. (AAMI 11137 3.21)

Processor
An organization that processes and/or sterilizes human donated tissue in preparation for transplantation.

Sterile
The state of being free from all living organisms.

Sterilization
Validated process used to render a product sterile. (AAMI 11137 3.39/ANSI 14160 3.18)

Tissue Bank
An organization that recovers donated human tissue after a person has died and authorization has been obtained for the donation. These organizations offer the option of tissue donation to families and continue to support these families following the donation through aftercare programs.