ASCP SBB study plan

Reconstruct the ABO and Rh blood group systems from memory: list the antigens, the expected plasma antibodies, the glycosyltransferase and RHD/RHCE genetics, and the serologic reaction pattern for each of the eight basic ABO types.

Predict and explain the serologic findings for A subgroups (A1, A2, A2B, Aint), weak D, partial D, and the four categories of ABO typing discrepancy (technical, clerical, genetic, acquired).

Compare tube, column agglutination (gel), and solid-phase/microplate methods on sensitivity, phase of reaction detected, and known sources of false-positive and false-negative results.

Work through 20 written ABO discrepancy scenarios and assign each a category and a specific confirmatory step (e.g., wash cells, repeat draw, saliva inhibition, adsorption-elution).

Evaluate 3-cell and 11-cell antibody screening/identification panels: determine the phase of reactivity, assign dosage and zygosity effects, and apply rule-out logic to narrow to a single antibody specificity.

Differentiate alloantibody from autoantibody reactivity using autocontrol, direct antiglobulin test, and historical records, then select antigen-negative or crossmatch-compatible units.

Explain indications, limitations, and step-by-step interpretation of enzyme-treated panels, prewarm technique, cold autoadsorption, and allogeneic adsorption.

Describe the selection and modification of red cells for special clinical situations, including sickle-negative, CMV-negative, irradiated, washed, and antigen-matched units, and how each is indicated.

Apply donor eligibility criteria (hemoglobin/hematocrit, interval, medication and travel deferrals, physical findings) to 25 written donor scenarios and state the correct accept/defer decision with duration.

Sequence whole blood and apheresis collection from venipuncture through labeling, including arm preparation, collection volume limits, adverse donor reaction recognition, and post-donation care.

Chart the processing and storage requirements for each component (red cells, platelet concentrate and apheresis platelets, plasma, cryoprecipitate, granulocytes), including temperature, agitation, expiration, and open versus closed system dating.

Explain the mechanism and quality-control implications of leukoreduction, irradiation, washing, volume reduction, and pathogen reduction, and which component modifications are incompatible with each other.

Outline donor infectious disease screening (serologic and nucleic acid assays, window periods), confirmatory testing, donor deferral/notification, and lookback/recipient tracing steps.

Describe component quality-control sampling, sterility and bacterial detection, thawing and post-thaw dating, and shipping/transport validation requirements.

Integrate domains 1 and 2 by solving mixed serology-and-processing scenarios (e.g., a positive unit found after issue, a component returned to inventory, an autologous or directed donation).

Identify personal weak areas in domains 1 and 2 from a timed cumulative assessment and write a corrective action for each.

Apply evidence-based transfusion thresholds and indications for red cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate to 20 clinical vignettes and justify each decision.

Distinguish the clinical and laboratory features of hemolytic (acute and delayed), febrile non-hemolytic, allergic/anaphylactic, septic, TRALI, and TACO reactions, and sequence the immediate nursing and laboratory actions for each.

Map the laboratory workup for a suspected transfusion reaction: clerical check, visual inspection, DAT, plasma hemoglobin, repeat ABO, antibody screen, culture, and the reporting chain to the blood supplier and hemovigilance system.

Design a patient blood management plan for a defined service line, incorporating preoperative anemia management, intraoperative blood salvage, antifibrinolytics, and single-unit transfusion policy.

Differentiate the roles and inspection scope of FDA, CLIA, CAP, AABB, The Joint Commission, and state regulations as they apply to a hospital transfusion service.

Apply quality management system elements: document control, competency assessment, equipment qualification and calibration, proficiency testing, validation of new methods, and occurrence management.

Write a CAPA for a simulated deviation (e.g., a released unit with an unresolved discrepancy), including root cause analysis, corrective action, and effectiveness check.

Identify biosafety and occupational hazards in the blood bank (specimen handling, spill response, chemical and radiation safety, ergonomics) and state the corresponding control measure.

Compare molecular methods used in immunohematology (PCR-SSP, real-time PCR, microarray, mass spectrometry genotyping, next-generation sequencing) on turnaround time, resolution, and appropriate use cases such as weak D or variant typing.

Explain genotyping applications for patients with recent transfusion, sickle cell disease, or complex alloantibodies, and describe when a serologic result should be resolved by molecular testing.

Outline hematopoietic progenitor cell collection, processing, cryopreservation, and infusion, plus the quality and labeling requirements that differ from conventional blood components.

Describe the immunohematology support required for cellular therapy and transplant patients, including HLA typing and antibody screening, ABO-incompatible transplant, and CAR-T recipient transfusion precautions.

Synthesize all five domains by completing two full-length, timed simulated exams under test-day conditions and reviewing every explanation.

Re-drive the highest-missed content from weeks 1-7 by rewriting each missed concept as a one-line rule in your own words and re-testing on it.

Consolidate high-yield memorization sets: antibody characteristics table, component storage chart, reaction workup, regulatory scope, and molecular method selection.

Draft a test-day plan covering timing per question, skip-and-return strategy, and how to handle calculation and scenario items.