Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

How long does thrombin maintain its potency?

1. 30 minutes

2. 60 minutes

3. 2 hours

4. 3 hours

The correct answer is: 3 hours

Thrombin, a critical enzyme involved in the coagulation cascade, is used in various surgical procedures for its ability to facilitate blood clotting. When discussing the potency of thrombin, it is important to note that its effectiveness is influenced by various factors, including its storage temperature, the formulation in which it is presented, and exposure to environmental elements. Thrombin is known to maintain its potency for a designated duration, which allows surgeons to utilize it effectively during procedures. The correct answer reflects the understanding that thrombin retains its potency for a period of up to three hours post-preparation or activation, as long as it is stored under appropriate conditions. Beyond this time frame, the efficacy of thrombin could begin to diminish, impacting its ability to promote hemostasis during surgical interventions. In the context of surgical practices, knowing the potency duration of thrombin is crucial for ensuring effective hemostatic measures. Using thrombin that has surpassed its optimal potency period could lead to inadequate hemostasis, potentially resulting in complications during and after the surgical procedure. Therefore, understanding the stable time fram for thrombin is essential for surgical technologists and other healthcare professionals involved in surgical care.