title: Microbiological investigations to validate the preparation of corneal transplants.
abstract: The globe and cornea are colonized by microorganisms and cannot be removed as sterile products. Antiseptic measures and storage of the cornea in medium containing antibiotics lead to an obvious reduction of the microbial flora. Unfortunately there is the possibility of secondary microbial contamination during the preparation. Large amounts of bacteria or resistant bacteria can ruin attempts to reduce the microbial flora. To validate the whole process of preparation we investigated the contamination of removed globes, environment, materials, instruments and media for each sequence of operation and eliminated sources of contamination. Recommendations are given to ensure a virtually sterile product at the end of preparation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene, University of Kiel, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Christiansen
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Duncker
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D003470:Culture Media; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005123:Eye / Q000382:microbiology*; D005125:Eye Banks / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000295:instrumentation; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D004202:Disinfectants