California Cellular Therapy Specialist
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of cryopreserving hematopoietic stem
cells?
• A. Prevent microbial contamination
• B. Reduce the cost of transplantation
• C. Preserve cell viability for future use
• D. Increase immunogenicity of the cells
Cryopreservation is essential for maintaining cell viability and
functionality until transplantation is performed.
2. Which regulatory agency oversees cellular therapy product
manufacturing in the U.S.?
• A. CDC
• B. OSHA
,• C. FDA
• D. CLIA
The FDA regulates cellular therapy products under its biologics and
drug regulations.
3. Which anticoagulant is most commonly used during apheresis
collections?
• A. EDTA
• B. Heparin
• C. Sodium citrate
• D. ACD-A
ACD-A (acid-citrate-dextrose solution A) is commonly used to prevent
clotting during collection.
4. CD34 is a marker commonly used to identify which cell population?
• A. T cells
• B. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
• C. NK cells
• D. Mesenchymal stromal cells
CD34 is a well-established marker for hematopoietic stem and
progenitor cells.
5. Which method is preferred for enumerating viable CD34+ cells?
• A. Flow cytometry with PI staining
• B. Microscopy with Trypan Blue
• C. Flow cytometry with 7-AAD and ISHAGE gating
,• D. ELISA
The ISHAGE protocol using 7-AAD and flow cytometry is the standard
for accurate CD34+ viability counts.
6. A common purpose for using DMSO in cellular therapy is:
• A. Staining cells for imaging
• B. Enhancing proliferation
• C. Protecting cells during cryopreservation
• D. Fixing cells for analysis
DMSO acts as a cryoprotectant, minimizing ice crystal formation
during freezing.
7. Which type of cell therapy is most often used in treating hematologic
malignancies?
• A. Mesenchymal stem cell infusion
• B. Autologous NK cell therapy
• C. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
• D. Exosome infusion
HSCT is the standard of care for many blood cancers.
8. What is a critical step after thawing a cryopreserved stem cell
product?
• A. Rapid dilution with cold saline
• B. Immediate centrifugation
• C. Immediate infusion into the patient
, • D. Washing with ethanol
Cryopreserved cells must be infused promptly to preserve viability
and minimize DMSO toxicity.
9. What is the acceptable temperature range for liquid nitrogen storage
of cryopreserved cells?
• A. -20°C to -30°C
• B. -40°C to -60°C
• C. -60°C to -80°C
• D. Below -150°C
To ensure long-term viability, cells must be stored at ultra-low
temperatures, typically in liquid or vapor-phase nitrogen.
10. What is the main risk associated with using DMSO in cellular
infusions?
• A. Immunogenicity
• B. Hemolysis
• C. Mutagenicity
• D. DMSO-related toxicity such as nausea, bradycardia, or
hypotension
DMSO can cause infusion-related reactions in patients, especially
when given in large volumes.
11. Which of the following defines an autologous transplant?
• A. From a donor to a recipient
• B. The patient's own cells are used
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of cryopreserving hematopoietic stem
cells?
• A. Prevent microbial contamination
• B. Reduce the cost of transplantation
• C. Preserve cell viability for future use
• D. Increase immunogenicity of the cells
Cryopreservation is essential for maintaining cell viability and
functionality until transplantation is performed.
2. Which regulatory agency oversees cellular therapy product
manufacturing in the U.S.?
• A. CDC
• B. OSHA
,• C. FDA
• D. CLIA
The FDA regulates cellular therapy products under its biologics and
drug regulations.
3. Which anticoagulant is most commonly used during apheresis
collections?
• A. EDTA
• B. Heparin
• C. Sodium citrate
• D. ACD-A
ACD-A (acid-citrate-dextrose solution A) is commonly used to prevent
clotting during collection.
4. CD34 is a marker commonly used to identify which cell population?
• A. T cells
• B. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
• C. NK cells
• D. Mesenchymal stromal cells
CD34 is a well-established marker for hematopoietic stem and
progenitor cells.
5. Which method is preferred for enumerating viable CD34+ cells?
• A. Flow cytometry with PI staining
• B. Microscopy with Trypan Blue
• C. Flow cytometry with 7-AAD and ISHAGE gating
,• D. ELISA
The ISHAGE protocol using 7-AAD and flow cytometry is the standard
for accurate CD34+ viability counts.
6. A common purpose for using DMSO in cellular therapy is:
• A. Staining cells for imaging
• B. Enhancing proliferation
• C. Protecting cells during cryopreservation
• D. Fixing cells for analysis
DMSO acts as a cryoprotectant, minimizing ice crystal formation
during freezing.
7. Which type of cell therapy is most often used in treating hematologic
malignancies?
• A. Mesenchymal stem cell infusion
• B. Autologous NK cell therapy
• C. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
• D. Exosome infusion
HSCT is the standard of care for many blood cancers.
8. What is a critical step after thawing a cryopreserved stem cell
product?
• A. Rapid dilution with cold saline
• B. Immediate centrifugation
• C. Immediate infusion into the patient
, • D. Washing with ethanol
Cryopreserved cells must be infused promptly to preserve viability
and minimize DMSO toxicity.
9. What is the acceptable temperature range for liquid nitrogen storage
of cryopreserved cells?
• A. -20°C to -30°C
• B. -40°C to -60°C
• C. -60°C to -80°C
• D. Below -150°C
To ensure long-term viability, cells must be stored at ultra-low
temperatures, typically in liquid or vapor-phase nitrogen.
10. What is the main risk associated with using DMSO in cellular
infusions?
• A. Immunogenicity
• B. Hemolysis
• C. Mutagenicity
• D. DMSO-related toxicity such as nausea, bradycardia, or
hypotension
DMSO can cause infusion-related reactions in patients, especially
when given in large volumes.
11. Which of the following defines an autologous transplant?
• A. From a donor to a recipient
• B. The patient's own cells are used
