Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

What document is mandatory in the donor record when no third-party records are available?

1. A signed document confirming no hospital records were generated.

2. A copy of all referral notes.

3. The death certificate.

4. A copy of the donor's advanced directive.

The correct answer is: The death certificate.

The correct choice is the death certificate, as it serves as a crucial and authoritative record regarding the donor's identity and the cause of death. In the absence of third-party records, the death certificate provides essential information that helps establish the eligibility for donation and is a formal record recognized by legal and medical standards. This document is critical for ensuring compliance with regulations regarding the procurement of tissues and organs, as well as for tracing the donor’s medical history, even if briefly. While the other options may provide useful information or context, they do not carry the same mandatory requirement as the death certificate for verifying donor eligibility in the absence of third-party documentation. For instance, a signed document confirming no hospital records were generated may not offer substantial details, and referral notes, while helpful, do not replace the authoritative status of a death certificate. A copy of the donor's advanced directive contains the individual’s wishes regarding medical treatment rather than pertinent information about their suitability for donation. Therefore, the death certificate is indispensable in donor records when other documentation is lacking.