Cord Blood Banking Basic 2

Question 1

What is the typical storage temperature for cord blood units in a public or private bank?

Accepted Answer

-196°C in liquid nitrogen

Answer

Cord blood units are stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen to maintain long-term viability of hematopoietic stem cells.

Question 2

Which federal agency primarily regulates public cord blood banks in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

The FDA regulates public cord blood banks as manufacturers of human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps).

Question 3

A cord blood unit donated to a public bank is most commonly used for which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Unrelated allogeneic transplantation

Answer

Public cord blood donations are listed in registries and made available for unrelated allogeneic transplants for patients who need a matched unit.

Question 4

What does TNC stand for in the context of cord blood banking quality metrics?

Accepted Answer

Total Nucleated Cells

Answer

TNC (Total Nucleated Cells) is a key quality metric used to assess whether a cord blood unit has enough cells to be therapeutically useful.

Question 5

Which accreditation body specifically certifies cord blood banks in the United States for quality and safety?

Accepted Answer

AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks)

Answer

AABB accredits cord blood banks and sets standards for collection, processing, testing, storage, and distribution of cord blood.

Cord Blood Practice Test