Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) Practice Test

Sex with which type of person in the preceding 12 months excludes an individual from donation?

1. A person who has asymptomatic hepatitis C infection

2. A person who has hepatitis B infection

3. A person who has HIV infection

4. A person who has had sex in exchange for money or drugs

The correct answer is: A person who has asymptomatic hepatitis C infection

The correct answer highlights that engaging in sexual activity with a person who has asymptomatic hepatitis C infection excludes an individual from eligibility to donate. This is rooted in the understanding of transmission risks associated with hepatitis C, even if the infected individual does not show symptoms. Hepatitis C can be transmitted through blood, and while sexual transmission is considered less common, it is still a risk. Blood safety is paramount in donation protocols, and various infection control measures are established to protect recipients from potential infectious diseases. The presence of asymptomatic infections poses an additional concern since individuals may not be aware of their infection status and might inadvertently transmit the virus during sexual contact. In the context of blood and tissue donation, strict guidelines are set up to ensure that donors do not pose a risk to the safety of the donated materials. This is why individuals with sexual partners who have asymptomatic hepatitis C are excluded from donating, as a precautionary measure. Other options refer to various infections and circumstances that can affect donation eligibility, but the specific focus on asymptomatic hepatitis C underscores the necessity for cautious health protocols surrounding blood and tissue donations.