What is the primary purpose of a tissue bank?

The primary purpose of a tissue bank is to procure, process, store, and distribute human tissues for transplantation. This critical function supports medical procedures that require human tissues for repairing, replacing, or enhancing bodily functions. Tissue banks play a vital role in the healthcare system by ensuring that suitable, safe, and viable human tissues are available for patients in need.

Tissue banks follow strict guidelines and protocols to maintain the quality and safety of the tissues they handle, which includes everything from donor screening to processing and storage. The tissues managed by these banks can encompass various types, such as skin, corneas, heart valves, and bones, each of which can be essential for different medical treatments.

Other options may pertain to broader aspects of medical research or other forms of biological material, but they do not accurately capture the primary function of a tissue bank that is central to the practice of transplantation and patient care.