Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

What is a primary responsibility of quality assurance staff?

1. Observe tissue recoveries

2. Write and update all SOPMs

3. Are certified in quality

4. Assure compliance with all SOPMs

The correct answer is: Assure compliance with all SOPMs

The primary responsibility of quality assurance staff is to assure compliance with all standard operating procedures and manuals (SOPMs). This role is crucial because quality assurance personnel are tasked with ensuring that the processes and practices within a tissue bank adhere to established standards that govern tissue recovery, processing, and distribution. By overseeing compliance, they help to mitigate risks, ensure the safety of tissue products, and maintain the integrity of the tissue banking process. Observing tissue recoveries, writing and updating SOPMs, and certification in quality are all important activities within a tissue bank, but they fall under specific functions that support the overarching goal of compliance. Observations are typically carried out by quality control or clinical staff, writing and updating SOPMs is often a collaborative effort involving various team members, and while certification is valuable, it is not a primary responsibility. Instead, compliance ensures that all operations conform to regulatory requirements and best practices, making it the central duty of quality assurance staff.