Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

If a donor had a partial cooling time, what is a necessary step to take before proceeding with recovery?

1. Notify the family

2. Document cooling duration

3. Seek expert consultation

4. Complete all screening processes

The correct answer is: Document cooling duration

When dealing with a donor who has experienced a partial cooling time, it is essential to document the cooling duration. This documentation is crucial because the cooling time of a donor affects the viability of the tissues to be recovered. Understanding how long the body has been cooled is vital information for tissue bank specialists as it provides insight into the potential preservation state of the tissues. This data is critical for post-recovery analysis and medical decisions regarding the use of the harvested tissues. In situations like these, recording accurate data supports compliance with regulatory standards and ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the donor's condition before proceeding with any recovery processes. This practice not only adheres to protocols but also enhances the quality of the tissues recovered. The other options, such as notifying the family, seeking expert consultation, or completing all screening processes, are important steps in the overall donor management process, but they do not directly address the immediate requirement regarding the donor's cooling duration. Without proper documentation, it would be challenging to make informed decisions about the viability of the tissues, which is why this specific step is emphasized.