Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

What is the reason for deferring a donor with non-medical intravenous drug use at the time of death?

1. It raises questions and concerns about the behavior of the potential donor.

2. There is a direct correlation between non-medical intravenous drug use and exposure to infectious diseases.

3. The use of certain drugs may compromise the quality of tissues for transplant.

4. It is only a deferral if shared needles were used.

The correct answer is: There is a direct correlation between non-medical intravenous drug use and exposure to infectious diseases.

The reason for deferring a donor with non-medical intravenous drug use at the time of death primarily relates to the increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases. Non-medical intravenous drug use can often involve sharing needles or using non-sterile techniques, which significantly heightens the risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These infections can compromise the safety and reliability of donated tissues. Addressing the other options, while the behavior of a donor may raise concerns (as mentioned in the first option), the critical health risk lies in the potential for infectious diseases. The third option regarding the quality of tissues is certainly a consideration, but the paramount concern is safeguarding recipients from potential infections. Lastly, the fourth option incorrectly minimizes the risk associated with non-medical drug use, suggesting that a deferral is contingent only upon shared needle use, whereas the broader context of health risks associated with such drug use applies regardless of the specifics of needle-sharing. Thus, the focus remains on the direct relationship between non-medical intravenous drug use and the elevated risk of infectious disease transmission.