The potential for HIV transmission through allogeneic bone. A review of risks and safety.

Over the past two decades, oral and maxillofacial surgeons have gained a greater appreciation for the biology of allogeneic bone healing, resulting in a dramatic increase in its indications and use. Unfortunately, this time period has also ushered in near epidemic proportions of HIV-infected persons, some of whom might be considered as potential donors of allogeneic bone. As this article will discuss, surgeons and tissue bank teams alike must be aware of the clinical and serologic criteria associated with an acceptable donor. Only in this way can contamination-free specimens be obtained and surgically implanted.