ABPath Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine study guide
ABPath Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine examination is a subspecialty certification exam offered by the American Board of Pathology for physicians who have completed training in this discipline and wish to demonstrate competence in it. It is a one-day, computer-based examination that combines written and practical questions in each section, and all items are multiple-choice in the one-best-answer format. The ABPath Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine study guide has 7 sections and about 1,741 words.
01Whole Blood and Blood Components: Donor Eligibility, Collection, Processing, Storage, and Indications
Whole blood is collected into an anticoagulant-preservative solution; the choice of solution determines storage length and the component yields. CPD/CP2D allow 21 days; CPDA-1 allows 35 days; additive solutions (AS-1, AS-3, AS-5) extend red cells to 42 days.
294 words, about 1 min02Immunohematology and Genetics: Blood Groups, Antibody Detection, and Compatibility Testing
Blood group antigens are inherited, mostly single-nucleotide polymorphisms producing glycoproteins or glycolipids. The ABO system is the only one with naturally occurring (preformed) IgM antibodies, which is why ABO compatibility is mandatory.
283 words, about 1 min03Clinical Transfusion Medicine: Anemias, Thrombocytopenias, and Coagulation Disorders
Red cell transfusion decisions rest on clinical status plus hemoglobin, not a single number. Restrictive thresholds (Hb 7 g/dL; 8 g/dL in cardiac surgery or symptomatic CAD) are supported by trials.
244 words, about 1 min04Transfusion Practices: Component Therapy, Modifications, Administration, and Adverse Events
Component modification matches patient need: irradiated components (25–30 Gy) prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease in immunocompromised or HLA-matched recipients; washed red cells reduce IgA and plasma proteins for anaphylactic reactions; leukoreduced products reduce febrile nonhemolytic reactions and CMV risk; volume-reduced or fresh components for neonates. Administration: verify patient identity and unit at bedside, use a 170–260 µm filter, complete within 4 hours, and monitor vital signs before, 15 minutes after start, and at completion.
233 words, about 1 min05Donor and Therapeutic Apheresis: Eligibility, Indications, and Complications
Apheresis separates blood into components and returns the remainder. Donor apheresis (platelet, plasma, double red cell) has specific eligibility: platelet donors need adequate pre-donation platelet count (≥150,000/µL), interval limits (e.g., 7 days between platelet donations, 24 donations/year), and protein/calcium considerations.
225 words, about 1 min06Transplantation and Cellular Therapies: HLA, Collection, Manufacturing, and Indications
HLA matching determines transplant compatibility. Class I (A, B, C) on all nucleated cells; Class II (DR, DQ, DP) on antigen-presenting cells.
223 words, about 1 min07Administration, Management, Accreditation, and Regulation
Blood bank regulation is layered: FDA regulates blood products and CGMP; AABB Standards set operational requirements; CAP provides laboratory accreditation; FACT covers cellular therapy. The FDA requires registration, biologics license, and reporting of errors and accidents (Form FDA 3500A).
239 words, about 1 min