Skin sites should be shaved if necessary and treated with an antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine.
Skin can be processed to provide an acceptable graft in a number of ways. These include cryopreservation, high-concentration glycerolisation and other methods. The specification for any skin product should clarify the required properties.
Samples of skin must be cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi prior to and following decontamination. The tissue establishment’s microbiology policy should specify how these tests impact on suitability for clinical application.