• How is the bone used?
• Why do we test the donor's blood?
• When do we test the donor's blood?
• How can I become a bone donor in this program?

In 1996 the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria established the Satellite Bone Banking Program.  This program provides individuals who are undergoing a hip replacement, and who are otherwise healthy, the opportunity to donate the bone which is routinely removed at the time of surgery.                                                           

Normally bone that is removed during surgery is discarded, but through this program it can be used to benefit another person who needs a bone graft.

The bone is removed at one of the participating hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne or large regional centres, and transported to the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria where it is stored.  The donated bone is tested for disease and then stored in a freezer.   It is held in quarantine for 6 months at which time we ask the donor to have a blood test.  Once the donated bone has completed all its testing and the results are satisfactory, it can be transplanted to another patient.

There are many ways in which donated bone may be used.  Generally the bone is milled and used to fill small holes in a patient's bone.  It can be used for patients with a variety of medical problems, such as cancer or those requiring joint surgery.   This is known as bone grafting.  Bone grafting encourages the patient's bone to grow into the donated bone and grow stronger.

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The safety of both the donor and the recipient is paramount to us.  That is why we test the donor's blood for any sign of disease.  All donors are tested for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Human T-cell Lymphotrophic Virus (HTLV) and syphilis.  If any of these tests should be positive, we will contact the donor's doctor who will in turn contact the donor.  If we don't test the donor's blood, then the donated bone cannot be used.   

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If the donor decides to donate their bone, a small sample of blood is taken during the operation.  This is sent for the first blood test. A second blood test is done six months after the operation.  This blood test will be at no charge to the donor.

The second blood test is very important as without these results we will be unable to use the bone that has been donated. 

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If you are having surgery on your hip for the first time, you could be a possible donor.  Although the bone is no longer useful for you, other people may benefit from it.

If you wish to donate your bone and you live in Melbourne or country Victoria, discuss this with your orthopaedic surgeon before your hip operation.  If your bone is suitable to donate and the hospital is a participant in our program, you will be asked questions on your past and present medical history.  This will include questions about HIV/AIDS.  Your blood will also be tested for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, HTLV and syphilis.   You will also be asked to sign a consent form as we need your permission to save this bone and to perform the blood tests.