MLT study plan

Diagram the ABO/Rh antigen-antibody system and predict donor-recipient compatibility across 20 written scenarios with zero errors

Work through 10 antibody-identification panel cases, writing the exclusion reasoning for each to reach the correct antibody (or 'no antibody identified')

Sequence the pretransfusion testing steps (ABO/Rh typing, antibody screen, crossmatch) and list at least 8 causes of a positive antibody screen or incompatible crossmatch

Recite storage, expiration, and modification requirements (irradiation, leukoreduction, washed, deglycerolized) for each major blood component from memory

Classify the major transfusion reactions (AHTR, DHTR, FNHTR, allergic/anaphylactic, TRALI, TACO, septic, TA-GVHD) by timing, cause, and expected laboratory findings

Explain direct and indirect antiglobulin testing principles and list at least 6 sources of false-positive and false-negative results

Interpret serologic patterns for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, and autoimmune markers across 15 practice cases

Describe the step-by-step investigation of a suspected hemolytic transfusion reaction, including required specimens and immediate actions

Differentiate iron-deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, megaloblastic, and thalassemic anemias using MCV, RDW, retic index, iron studies, and peripheral smear findings in 20 cases

Classify leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloproliferative neoplasms by morphology, cytochemical/marker profile, and expected CBC findings

Perform 10 manual white-cell differential counts on textbook or simulator smears and justify the classification of every abnormal cell line

Interpret PT, aPTT, mixing studies, fibrinogen, and D-dimer results to localize the defect in 10 coagulopathy cases

Calculate and interpret anion gap, osmolar gap, creatinine clearance, corrected calcium, and A-a gradient across 15 numeric problems

Recognize the classic laboratory patterns of renal, hepatic, cardiac, thyroid, and adrenal disorders and name the most likely cause in each scenario

Match each analyte to its analytic method (spectrophotometry, ion-selective electrode, immunoassay, chromatography) and list interferences from hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus

Explain the effect of at least 6 preanalytical and analytical variables (tourniquet time, tube additive, delayed separation, temperature) on chemistry results

Construct an organism-identification table covering at least 40 bacteria with colony morphology, Gram stain, and key biochemical reactions

Match each specimen type (blood, CSF, sputum, urine, wound, stool) to the expected pathogens and the appropriate primary plating media

Interpret MIC, disk-diffusion, and gradient-diffusion results and identify MRSA, ESBL, and carbapenemase-producing organisms from susceptibility patterns

Outline identification approaches for anaerobes, mycobacteria, and fungi using growth requirements, staining, and key confirmatory tests

Differentiate urine casts, crystals, cells, and organisms by morphology and link each finding to its associated clinical condition

Interpret 15 combined dipstick and microscopic urinalysis cases, flagging discrepancies between chemical and microscopic results

Calculate cell counts, differentials, and crystal identification for CSF, pleural, pericardial, and synovial fluid specimens on paper cases

Summarize the diagnostic methods and specimen requirements for the major viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens on the exam outline

Apply Westgard multirule logic (1-2s, 1-3s, 2-2s, R-4s, 4-1s, 10x) to evaluate 10 QC chart scenarios and state the required corrective action

Describe the phases of laboratory testing and list at least 10 sources of preanalytical error that alter results

Explain method validation, proficiency testing, and corrective-action documentation as they apply to a clinical laboratory

Re-answer every item in the cumulative error log, targeting previously missed questions until each is correctly resolved

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under simulated testing conditions

Categorize every missed item as a knowledge gap, a misread question, or a content-area weakness, and assign a targeted re-review for each

Recite high-yield reference intervals, formulas, and compatibility rules from memory without prompts

Re-drill the two weakest domains with focused question sets until each reaches 85% or better