Practice Test Geeks(CTBS) Certified Tissue Bank Specialist Practice Test
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Tissue Processing & Preservation Flashcards

7 cards from real CTBS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Tissue Processing & Preservation flashcards as text

  1. Which cryoprotectant is most commonly used for bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell preservation?

    Answer: Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

    DMSO is the standard cryoprotectant for hematopoietic stem cells due to its ability to rapidly penetrate cell membranes and prevent ice crystal formation.

  2. What is the purpose of the 'equilibration period' during cryoprotectant addition?

    Answer: To allow the cryoprotectant to penetrate tissue before freezing

    The equilibration period allows the cryoprotectant to diffuse into cells so it can provide intracellular protection against ice crystal damage during freezing.

  3. Which sterilization method is contraindicated for tissues containing viable cells intended for transplant?

    Answer: Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy

    Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy is effective for terminal sterilization but destroys cellular viability, making it unsuitable for cell-based allografts.

  4. During freeze-drying (lyophilization), what is the PRIMARY mechanism of tissue preservation?

    Answer: Removal of free water to halt metabolic and microbial activity

    Lyophilization preserves tissue by sublimating water under vacuum, leaving a dry matrix that resists microbial growth and enzymatic degradation.

  5. What is the recommended storage temperature for lyophilized (freeze-dried) bone allografts?

    Answer: Room temperature (15–30°C)

    Freeze-dried allografts have sufficiently low water activity that they can be stored at room temperature in sealed, moisture-proof packaging.

  6. A tissue bank is processing demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Which property is MOST directly affected by the demineralization process?

    Answer: Osteoinductive potential

    Demineralization exposes bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) embedded in the bone matrix, significantly enhancing osteoinductive potential.

  7. Which parameter is MOST critical to monitor during controlled-rate freezing of cardiovascular tissue?

    Answer: Cooling rate (°C/min)

    Cooling rate is the most critical parameter; too fast causes intracellular ice formation and too slow causes solution effects that damage cells.