The cost-effectiveness of maintaining an in-house glycerol-preserved skin bank

Abstract

Introduction: Glycerol-preserved skin allograft (GPA) plays a vital role, especially in the management of burns injury. Where it is utilized as temporary wound closure, the considerably cost-effective, simpler handling and storage of GPA makes it preferable in almost all clinical indications. The GPA was first introduced to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2001. The supply was imported from Euro Skin Bank, Beverwijk, The Netherlands. In the year 2013, our center had started maintaining an in-house glycerolized skin bank.

Method: We preserved donor skin grafts from patients who underwent plastic surgery-related procedures in 85% glycerol and stored them at +2 °C to +10 °C. Cost estimation of the GPA per cm² was calculated to analyze the effectiveness of its preservation technique.

Results: The cost of GPA from our skin bank is estimated to be almost 90% reduction in cost as compared to the supply from Euro Skin Bank.

Conclusion: The selective and strategic use of the GPA in major burn patients assure effective advantages in the treatment of burns. The clinical significance of skin allograft usage is very high. The cost-effectiveness of maintaining an in-house skin bank made it possible for various centers for skin allograft usage.

Keywords: Cadaveric skin; Glycerol-preserved allograft; Maintenance cost.