Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
allograft
Skin graft from genetically different human donor, used as temporary coverage.
Full Definition
Human skin tissue transplanted from a genetically different donor, typically from cadaveric sources or living donors. Allografts serve as temporary biological dressing for extensive burns when insufficient autograft donor sites are available. They provide excellent temporary wound coverage and pain control but will eventually be rejected by the recipient's immune system, requiring replacement with autograft or other permanent coverage once donor sites have healed.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with autograft; editors should verify the graft source is specified correctly.
In Context
- "Temporary allograft coverage was applied to the dorsal hands pending autograft availability." — operative report
- "The allograft showed signs of rejection at postoperative day 14 and required replacement." — progress note
Also known as
homograft
cadaver graft
Contrasted with
autograft
xenograft
Don't confuse with
autograft
xenograft