ASCP PBT case studies
ASCP PBT · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) certification is a credential for laboratory professionals who collect and handle blood specimens, offered through the ASCP Board of Certification's initial certification pathway. ASCP organizes its education and certification-preparation content by content area, and phlebotomy is one of those areas, appearing alongside Blood Banking, Clinical Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, Immunology, Laboratory Administration, and Microbiology. The ASCP PBT case studies are 5 cases and about 3,086 words.
1Pediatric Draw with Unexpected Anemia
A 6-year-old child is brought to the outpatient lab for a CBC and lead level. The parent reports the child has been pale and tired.
535 words, about 3 min2Transfusion Reaction with Inconclusive Serology
A 45-year-old woman with a history of two pregnancies and no prior transfusions receives 2 units of packed RBCs for symptomatic anemia (Hb 7.0 g/dL) after surgery. Fifteen minutes into the second unit, she develops fever (38.5°C), chills, and flank pain.
561 words, about 3 min3Interfering Substance in Chemistry Results
A 60-year-old man with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted with confusion and jaundice. Laboratory results show: sodium 128 mmol/L, potassium 3.2 mmol/L, chloride 98 mmol/L, bicarbonate 18 mmol/L, glucose 85 mg/dL, BUN 10 mg/dL, creatinine 0.6 mg/dL, total protein 5.0 g/dL, albumin 2.5 g/dL, total bilirubin 4.0 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 2.0 mg/dL, AST 120 U/L, ALT 80 U/L, ALP 150 U/L, GGT 200 U/L.
601 words, about 3 min4Prolonged PT and aPTT in a Preoperative Patient
A 70-year-old woman is scheduled for elective knee replacement. Preoperative labs show PT 18.5 seconds (reference 11-14), INR 1.6, aPTT 45 seconds (reference 25-35), platelet count 150 x 10^9/L, and fibrinogen 300 mg/dL.
685 words, about 3 min5Unusual Hemoglobin Pattern in a Patient with Microcytosis
A 30-year-old woman of Mediterranean descent is evaluated for microcytic anemia. CBC shows Hb 10.5 g/dL, MCV 68 fL, MCH 22 pg, RDW 14%, and platelet count 250 x 10^9/L.
704 words, about 4 min