What is the aim of antimicrobial stewardship in tissue banking?

The aim of antimicrobial stewardship in tissue banking is to minimize the use of antibiotics while ensuring graft safety. This is crucial because the overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which poses significant risks to both patients and public health. By carefully managing antibiotic usage, tissue banks can ensure that the grafts prepared for transplantation are safe for recipients without unnecessarily relying on antibiotics. This balanced approach not only protects individual patients but also contributes to broader efforts in controlling antimicrobial resistance.

Focusing solely on increasing antibiotic use may lead to harmful consequences in terms of resistance, while attempting to eliminate all antibiotic usage altogether may compromise graft safety. Additionally, the exclusivity of using only natural antibiotics would limit the options available and might not always be the most effective strategy for infection control in tissue banking. The goal is to strike a balance that prioritizes patient safety while being judicious with antibiotic utilization.