ABPath Chemical Pathology study plan

Map each major metabolic disorder class (carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, porphyria, storage) to its diagnostic analytes and confirmatory tests

Derive and practice the anion gap, delta gap, and osmolal gap calculations on 20 constructed cases

Build a one-page algorithm distinguishing respiratory vs metabolic acid-base disturbances using compensation formulas

Explain the laboratory workup sequence for suspected inborn error of metabolism in a decompensating neonate

Self-quiz 40 mixed metabolism and electrolyte items and log every miss with the underlying concept

Interpret 25 practice vignettes on electrolyte disorders (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate) and justify the calculated expected values

Compare laboratory findings that separate SIADH, diabetes insipidus, and primary polydipsia

Rehearse the diagnostic pathway for hypoglycemia workup including the supervised fast and C-peptide interpretation

Summarize specimen-handling pitfalls that falsely alter potassium, calcium, and ammonia results

Differentiate monoclonal gammopathy patterns on serum and urine protein electrophoresis with immunofixation on 15 constructed cases

Sequence the laboratory evaluation of a prolonged PT or aPTT using mixing studies and factor assays

Explain the interpretive logic behind lupus anticoagulant testing and thrombophilia panels

Describe hemoglobin variant detection by electrophoresis, HPLC, and solubility testing and when each is indicated

List preanalytical variables that invalidate coagulation results and state the corrective action for each

Compare analytical principles of spectrophotometry, immunoassay, chromatography, mass spectrometry, and electrophoresis by sensitivity, interference, and use case

Identify the failure modes and maintenance requirements of common analyzers, centrifuges, and pipetting systems

Calculate and interpret absorbance, molar absorptivity, and calibration curve linearity problems

Explain method validation elements: accuracy, precision, linearity, limit of detection, interference, and reference interval verification

Construct Levey-Jennings charts and apply Westgard multirules to 20 simulated QC data sets

Calculate mean, SD, CV, and z-scores by hand and verify with a spreadsheet

Interpret proficiency testing failures and draft a corrective action sequence

Solve statistical problems on sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, ROC comparison, and reference interval determination

Distinguish internal QC, external QC, and quality assurance activities and assign each to the correct monitoring cycle

Outline regulatory and accreditation requirements governing clinical chemistry laboratories and match each to its oversight body

Design a phlebotomy and specimen-rejection workflow that addresses patient identification, timing, and collection-tube order

Convert between conventional and SI units for 25 common analytes and state reference-interval implications

Explain reporting-critical-value policies and the documentation chain of custody for toxicology specimens

Draft a budget and staffing justification for a new chemistry analyzer using workload units

Map laboratory panels to organ systems: cardiac, hepatic, renal, pancreatic, and endocrine markers with their diagnostic windows

Sequence prenatal, pregnancy, and newborn screening tests and state the timing and follow-up for each abnormal result

Compare point-of-care testing devices to central laboratory methods on accuracy, connectivity, and operator requirements

Interpret infectious disease serology patterns including acute vs convalescent titers, IgM pitfalls, and autoimmune serologies

Apply therapeutic drug monitoring principles: timing of levels, half-life, steady state, and free vs total drug interpretation

Re-test every concept flagged in the week 1-7 error logs and confirm mastery

Complete two timed 100-question mixed-domain practice exams with review of every incorrect item

Recite from memory the reference intervals and decision limits for the 25 most commonly tested analytes

Practice articulating consultation-style responses to 10 laboratory-interpretation questions aloud

Consolidate all deliverables into a single indexed study binder for final review