CTBS Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CTBS exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CTBS Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CTBS Topics to Study (68)
✍️ Sample CTBS Questions & Answers
1. When processing soft tissue allografts (e.g., tendons, ligaments), what is the primary function of low-dose gamma irradiation (< 20 kGy)?
Low-dose gamma irradiation is used to reduce microbial bioburden while minimizing radiation-induced damage to the collagen structure and mechanical integrity of soft tissue allografts.
2. In CTBS certification, what is the primary purpose of regulatory compliance programs?
Regulatory compliance programs are designed to ensure organizations follow applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
3. When recovering tissue from a donor with unknown HIV status, which precaution is MOST important during the recovery procedure?
Standard and enhanced personal protective equipment including double gloving and face shields must be used when infectious status is unknown to protect recovery staff.
4. Which of the following is required by tissue banking standards?
Tissue banking standards rigorously require accurate documentation and informed donor consent to ensure ethical and legal compliance. Detailed records track the entire tissue lifecycle, from donor screening to recipient implantation, providing essential traceability and accountability. Donor consent confirms the donor's authorization for tissue use, respecting individual autonomy and legal requirements.
5. The 'relevant communicable disease agents and diseases' (RCDADs) that must be tested for in tissue donors are defined in:
FDA defines RCDADs in 21 CFR Part 1271.3(r), establishing the federal standard for which communicable disease agents and diseases must be tested as part of donor eligibility determination.
6. During a QA audit of donor records, a tissue bank specialist finds that a donor consent form is missing a required signature. This is an example of:
A missing required signature on a donor consent form is a critical nonconformance because it violates regulatory and accreditation requirements for donor eligibility documentation.