California Cellular Therapy Specialist
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025 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
Certification Practice Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2025 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
