ASCP C study materials
ASCP C study resources

ASCP C study plan

ASCP C · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Blood Banking / Immunohematology

  • Map ABO/Rh antigen-antibody relationships and predict compatible red cell and plasma components across 20 practice compatibility scenarios.

  • Work through antibody identification panels using rule-out/rule-in logic for 15 cases and record the exclusion trail for each.

  • Sequence the workup for hemolytic, febrile non-hemolytic, allergic, anaphylactic, septic, and TRALI reactions and match 10 vignettes to the correct workup.

  • Build a one-page component reference covering storage temperature, expiration, irradiation, and indication for RBCs, platelets, FFP, and cryoprecipitate.

Your checkpoint

A self-authored 25-question ABO/Rh plus antibody identification quiz scored at 85% or higher, with a written rationale for every missed item.

Week 2

Clinical Chemistry

  • Calculate anion gap, serum osmolality, corrected calcium, and creatinine clearance for 20 practice problems.

  • Classify 15 arterial blood gas cases by primary acid-base disorder and identify compensation versus mixed disorders.

  • Differentiate hepatocellular from cholestatic liver patterns and match 10 vignettes to the most likely diagnosis.

  • Explain the measurement principles of spectrophotometry, ion-selective electrodes, and immunoassay, listing two common interferences for each.

Your checkpoint

A 30-item acid-base and calculation worksheet completed with 90% or higher accuracy and all work shown.

Week 3

Hematology and Coagulation

  • Classify 20 anemias using MCV, MCH, RDW, and reticulocyte count and justify each classification in writing.

  • Diagram the coagulation pathways and state which laboratory test reflects each factor or pathway segment.

  • Interpret mixing studies, factor assays, and platelet function results for 12 cases and state the next confirmatory step.

  • Identify peripheral smear findings for 15 disorders, including schistocytes, teardrop cells, Auer rods, and rouleaux.

Your checkpoint

A 20-case morphology and coagulation interpretation log with a diagnosis and supporting rationale for each case.

Week 4

Microbiology

  • Build an organism identification matrix covering Gram reaction, catalase, oxidase, coagulase, and key biochemicals for 25 organisms.

  • Select appropriate media, atmosphere, and incubation conditions for 15 specimen types.

  • Interpret susceptibility results and explain ESBL, MRSA, and VRE resistance mechanisms across 10 scenarios.

  • Distinguish viral, fungal, and parasitic diagnostic methods and match each to a representative organism.

Your checkpoint

A completed organism identification matrix plus a 25-question microbiology quiz scored at 85% or higher.

Week 5

Immunology

  • Calculate and interpret sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios for 10 problems.

  • Contrast primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and match 10 vignettes to the correct category.

  • Describe hypersensitivity types I through IV with two clinical examples and the responsible mediator for each.

  • Interpret ANA patterns, autoimmune serologies, and complement profiles for 12 cases.

Your checkpoint

A 30-question immunology set scored at 85% or higher with an error log grouped by test-interpretation versus mechanism.

Week 6

Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics

  • Compare PCR, RT-PCR, Sanger sequencing, FISH, karyotyping, and microarray by clinical use, turnaround, and principal limitation.

  • Interpret 15 cytogenetic notations such as t(9;22), inv(16), and del(5q) and link each to its associated disease and prognosis.

  • Explain quality control for molecular assays, including contamination control, inhibitors, and internal versus external controls.

  • Match molecular tests to 12 clinical scenarios such as BCR-ABL monitoring, CFTR testing, and inherited thrombophilia workup.

Your checkpoint

A molecular and cytogenetics reference table plus a 20-question quiz scored at 85% or higher.

Week 7

Laboratory Administration and Operations & Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection

  • Identify which regulatory or accreditation requirement governs 15 laboratory scenarios under CLIA and CAP.

  • Calculate mean, SD, CV, and bias and interpret Levey-Jennings shifts and trends across 15 QC problems.

  • Sequence the order of draw and match tube color and additive to 20 tests, then list causes of hemolysis and short draws.

  • Apply patient identification, labeling, and specimen rejection criteria to 15 collection vignettes.

Your checkpoint

A combined order-of-draw and specimen-rejection cheat sheet plus a 30-question set covering both domains scored at 85% or higher.

Week 8

Blood Banking / Immunohematology & Clinical Chemistry & Hematology and Coagulation & Microbiology & Immunology & Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics & Laboratory Administration and Operations & Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection

  • Complete two timed 100-question simulated exams under exam conditions and log every error by domain and topic.

  • Re-drill the three weakest domains from the error log with targeted question sets until each reaches 85% or higher.

  • Rehearse high-yield calculations and reference ranges through three spaced retrieval sessions.

Your checkpoint

A final error log summarizing weak topics plus a one-page 48-hour review sheet spanning all eight domains.

Milestones

Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question mixed set drawn from Domains 1 and 2.

Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a cumulative 80-question exam over Domains 1 through 4.

Week 6: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question mixed set drawn from Domains 5 and 6.

Week 8: Score 80% or higher on each of two timed 100-question simulated exams, with no single domain below 70%.