ASCP BB study guide
ASCP BB · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Technologist in Blood Banking credential - usually written BB(ASCP) - is a professional certification for laboratory professionals who perform immunohematology testing and transfusion service work. It is intended for technologists who already have a generalist laboratory background and want formal recognition of specialized competence in blood banking, typically people working in hospital transfusion services, donor collection centers, or reference laboratories. The ASCP BB study guide has 8 sections and about 2,913 words.
01Blood Group Systems and Immunohematology Theory
Blood group antigens are inherited cell-surface structures catalogued by ISBT number; more than 40 systems exist, but ABO and Rh cause most clinically significant reactions. Know the genetics: ABO (chromosome 9) with H antigen (FUT1) as precursor; group O carries H only; A1 transferase is more efficient than A2, and weak subgroups (A3, Ax, Ael, B3, Bm) create forward/reverse discrepancies.
351 words, about 2 min02Antibody Detection and Identification
Antibody detection begins with 2-3 group O reagent screen cells chosen to be homozygous for clinically significant antigens so dosage is expressed, and negative for nuisance low-incidence antigens. Methods include tube testing (immediate spin, 37 C, AHG), column agglutination gel, and solid phase; potentiators such as LISS shorten incubation while PEG enhances sensitivity but increases false positives from rouleaux and protein.
353 words, about 2 min03Pretransfusion Compatibility Testing
Pretransfusion testing comprises patient identification and specimen labeling, ABO/Rh typing with forward and reverse grouping, antibody screen, and crossmatch. Immediate-spin crossmatch verifies ABO compatibility only; an AHG crossmatch detects IgG incompatibility and is required when the screen is positive or a clinically significant antibody history exists.
367 words, about 2 min04Blood Collection, Processing, and Component Storage
Donors must meet age requirements (generally 16-17 years and older per state and FDA rules), weigh at least 50 kg, have hemoglobin at least 12.5 g/dL (female) or 13.0 g/dL (male), and have acceptable vital signs (oral temperature 37.5 C or less, blood pressure 180/100 or less, pulse 50-100). Whole-blood donors must wait 8 weeks between donations; a 450-500 mL collection plus samples is standard, within 10 percent of the labeled volume.
406 words, about 2 min05Transfusion Practice and Adverse Transfusion Reactions
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction is usually ABO-incompatible from a clerical error; fever, chills, flank or chest pain, hemoglobinuria, DIC, and shock appear early. Stop the transfusion, keep the line open with saline, support the patient, and begin the workup.
362 words, about 2 min06Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn and Perinatal Testing
A 300 microgram dose (about 1500 IU) neutralizes roughly 15 mL of D-positive red cells, about 30 mL of whole blood. Give antenatally at 28 weeks and postpartum within 72 hours to D-negative, antibody-negative mothers of D-positive infants; also after abortion, ectopic pregnancy, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, trauma, and antepartum bleeding.
364 words, about 2 min07Donor Screening and Infectious Disease Testing
Serology: HBsAg, total anti-HBc, anti-HCV, anti-HIV-1/2, anti-HTLV-I/II, and a syphilis test. Nucleic acid testing: HIV-1, HCV, HBV, West Nile virus (seasonal and regional), plus Babesia in endemic areas and Zika where applicable.
333 words, about 2 min08Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliance, and Laboratory Management
The FDA enforces 21 CFR Parts 600, 606 (current good manufacturing practice), 610, 630 (donor eligibility), and 640 (blood products). AABB Standards and accreditation, CAP and CLIA for laboratory testing, and Joint Commission requirements for hospital transfusion services complete the picture.
377 words, about 2 min