Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

Split or partial thickness skin is most commonly used in which of the following procedures?

1. As a temporary dressing following severe burns

2. To repair severe abdominal hernias

3. Reconstruction post-mastectomy

4. In rotator cuff reconstruction

The correct answer is: As a temporary dressing following severe burns

The use of split or partial thickness skin is most commonly associated with serving as a temporary dressing following severe burns. This type of skin graft allows for sufficient coverage of the burn area while promoting healing and minimizing complications such as infection. Split thickness skin grafts consist of the epidermis and a portion of the dermis, which aids in effective integration and revascularization when applied to the affected area. In burn treatment, especially for extensive or deep burns, using a temporary dressing helps to protect the wound, manage fluid loss, and control pain while the underlying tissues heal. It's a critical step in burn care that prioritizes the restoration of skin integrity and function. Other procedures listed such as repairing severe abdominal hernias, reconstruction post-mastectomy, or in rotator cuff reconstruction typically involve different types of grafts or surgical techniques that are not primarily focused on the use of split thickness skin. While skin grafts can be utilized in these contexts, they are not the foremost procedure associated with split thickness skin.