ABPath Combined AP/CP Primary Certification study plan

Differentiate microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemias using MCV, RDW, reticulocyte index, iron studies, and marrow iron, stating the discriminating criteria for each category.

Classify hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias by globin chain defect and interpret hemoglobin electrophoresis/HPLC patterns to separate them from iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease.

Diagnose immune and non-immune hemolytic anemias by sequencing the direct antiglobulin test, LDH, haptoglobin, peripheral smear, osmotic fragility, and enzyme assays, and justify each test's position in the workup.

Explain flow cytometric gating and marker panels that distinguish B- from T-lymphoblastic leukemia, mature B-cell neoplasms, and myeloid blasts, including the markers that define aberrant antigen expression.

Interpret PT/PTT mixing studies, factor assays, and Bethesda-type inhibitor screens to localize a bleeding disorder to the vessel, platelet, or coagulation phase.

Distinguish TTP, HUS, DIC, and HELLP syndrome by integrating schistocyte counts, ADAMTS13 activity, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and platelet trends.

Classify myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndromes, and MDS/MPN overlap entities using blood counts, marrow morphology, cytogenetics, and JAK2, CALR, MPL, and SF3B1 testing.

Apply current WHO classification to mature B-cell and T-cell lymphomas and plasma cell neoplasms using immunophenotype, FISH for t(11;14) and MYC/BCL2 rearrangements, and proliferation indices.

Commit to a written diagnosis for 40 peripheral smear and marrow description cases before checking the reference answer.

Resolve ABO and Rh typing discrepancies systematically using forward and reverse grouping, weak D testing, adsorption/elution, and secretor studies, naming the cause in each scenario.

Perform antibody screens and identifications using panel cells, enzyme-treated and selected cells, and dosage considerations, and assign specificity including multiple alloantibodies and antibodies to high-incidence antigens.

Select antigen-negative, crossmatch-compatible units and calculate the number of units to screen or reserve when multiple alloantibodies are present.

Differentiate acute hemolytic, delayed hemolytic, febrile non-hemolytic, allergic, anaphylactic, septic, TRALI, and TACO reactions by the first tests to order and the confirmatory findings for each.

Apply massive transfusion, ratio-based resuscitation, and component modification rules for irradiation, leukoreduction, washing, and volume reduction.

Explain donor infectious disease screening, nucleic acid test window periods, and recipient lookback/tracing for reactive donors.

Manage hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn by interpreting maternal antibody titers, MCA Doppler studies, and amniotic fluid bilirubin results, and state when intrauterine transfusion is indicated.

Interpret Gram stains and select primary media, then identify bacteria from colony morphology, hemolysis, and key biochemical reactions.

Interpret disk diffusion, MIC, and automated susceptibility results, including intrinsic resistance and inducible beta-lactamases, ESBLs, AmpC enzymes, and carbapenemases.

Work through 50 bacteriology unknowns to genus or species level using only stain, media, and biochemical data.

Differentiate mycobacterial species by stain, culture characteristics, molecular probes, and drug susceptibility patterns, including recognition of contamination versus true infection.

Identify medically important fungi by yeast and hyphal morphology, dimorphism, and appropriate stain and media selection.

Diagnose viral infections by choosing among serology, molecular testing, and culture, and interpret viral loads and window periods.

Identify parasites in stool, blood, and tissue preparations and distinguish pathogen from incidental finding.

Apply biosafety levels, sentinel laboratory rules, and reportable disease requirements to select agents and unusual isolates.

Calculate and interpret acid-base and electrolyte disorders using the anion gap, delta gap, osmolal gap, and Winter's formula, and predict the expected compensation for each primary disorder.

Evaluate renal, hepatic, and cardiac marker patterns and recognize assay interference, hook effects, and non-disease causes of abnormal results.

Interpret thyroid, adrenal, gonadal, and pituitary testing including dynamic stimulation and suppression tests, and explain heterophile and biotin interferences.

Read serum and urine protein electrophoresis with immunofixation to classify monoclonal gammopathies and calculate free light chain ratios.

Interpret autoimmune serology, allergy testing, complement, and HLA typing in the context of pretest probability.

Evaluate analytical method performance by designing precision, accuracy, linearity, limit of detection/quantitation, reference interval, and method comparison studies.

Apply CLIA and CAP requirements to proficiency testing, competency assessment, and validation of new or modified assays.

Design a quality management plan using Westgard multirule QC, root cause analysis, and documented corrective and preventive action.

Assess laboratory compliance, billing, laboratory information systems, staffing models, point-of-care oversight, and send-out management.

Apply laboratory stewardship and patient safety tools to reduce preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical error.

Complete two full-length timed mixed examinations under board conditions and score each by domain to build a final profile.

Remediate the three weakest domains by re-reviewing every missed item and re-testing those items after a delay.

Recite from memory the algorithms for transfusion reaction triage, coagulation mixing studies, and antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation.

Consolidate one page per domain summarizing high-yield facts, classic pitfalls, and personal error patterns.