[Organization of a bone bank].

The transmission of infectious diseases by allografts from bone banks has led to considerable restrictions on bone transplantations. HIV and hepatitis are considered to be the most dangerous diseases transmitted in this way. To prevent the transmission of any infections, extensive precautions have to be applied when allografts are taken and during their storage. Donors have been checked for infectious diseases at the time of collection and 3 months later. In addition, the donated grafts must be cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. This elaborate series of tests can only be mastered if the bone bank is tightly organised. The number of available grafts also be increased by sterilisation and the use of demineralised bone matrix.