Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

Which of the following tissue measurements is stated incorrectly?

1. Vascular graft diameter in centimeters

2. Heart valve internal valve annulus in millimeters

3. Length of main, left, and right pulmonary arteries in millimeters or centimeters

4. Vascular segment length in centimeters

The correct answer is: Vascular graft diameter in centimeters

The correct choice highlights an error involving the measurement of vascular graft diameter. In the context of tissue banking and transplantation, it is essential to use precise units of measurement to minimize any potential for confusion or errors in clinical applications. While the diameter of vascular grafts is indeed measured typically in centimeters, the common practice and recommendation often leans toward more granular measurements, especially in surgical contexts where precision is crucial. This is especially true when discussing vascular grafts, which are often presented in millimeters due to the smaller scale of vessels involved, to ensure clarity and accuracy in selection and implantation. The other options present standard practices in their measurements. Heart valve annulus measurements in millimeters are appropriate due to the relatively small size of these structures, ensuring accurate fitting during surgery. Similarly, the lengths of the pulmonary arteries and vascular segments are often measured in both millimeters and centimeters depending on the specific context or clinical requirement, reflecting their variability in size. Therefore, any confusion around the vascular graft diameter typically being expressed in centimeters, rather than the more precise millimeter measurement commonly used in practice, makes it a suitable choice as the incorrect statement.