Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct timeframe for donor deferral after being bitten by a potentially rabid animal is 6 months. This is based on the understanding of rabies transmission and the time it takes for the disease to potentially incubate and become transmissible through tissue donation. Rabies is a serious viral disease that impacts the central nervous system and can be life-threatening. Because of the risks associated with rabies, it is essential for the safety of transplant recipients that any potential donor who has had such an exposure is deferred from donating for at least 6 months. This ensures that any potential transmission risk is minimized, allowing for a period of observation and medical evaluation.

The other options do not align with the established guidelines regarding the exclusion period for potential rabies exposure. 5 years and 12 months both exceed what's necessary for monitoring rabies symptoms, while 28 days is insufficient given the potential for the virus to become detectable or pose a risk during that short time frame. Therefore, the 6-month deferral is a precautionary measure that aligns with public health guidelines to ensure donor safety and the well-being of recipients.