ASCP Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the ASCP exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📚 ASCP Topics to Study (35)

Phlebotomy · 7 cards Phlebotomy · 7 cards Clinical Chemistry · 6 cards Clinical Chemistry · 6 cards Clinical Chemistry · 6 cards Clinical Microscopy · 6 cards Clinical Microscopy · 6 cards Clinical Microscopy · 6 cards Coagulation · 6 cards Coagulation · 6 cards Coagulation · 6 cards Hematology · 6 cards Hematology · 6 cards Hematology · 6 cards Immunohematology (Blood Banking) · 6 cards Immunohematology (Blood Banking) · 6 cards Immunohematology (Blood Banking) · 6 cards Immunology and Serology · 6 cards Immunology and Serology · 6 cards Immunology and Serology · 6 cards Laboratory Operations · 6 cards Laboratory Operations · 6 cards Laboratory Operations · 6 cards Microbiology · 6 cards Microbiology · 6 cards Microbiology · 6 cards Molecular Diagnostics · 6 cards Molecular Diagnostics · 6 cards Molecular Diagnostics · 6 cards Transfusion Medicine · 6 cards

See all 35 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample ASCP Questions & Answers

1. Root cause analysis (RCA) in the laboratory is conducted primarily to:

✓ Identify the fundamental system or process failures that allowed an error to occur and prevent recurrence

RCA is a non-punitive, systematic process to identify the root causes (not just proximate causes) of errors. The goal is process improvement and error prevention through system-level changes rather than individual blame.

2. The anion gap (AG) is calculated from serum chemistry as:

✓ Na+ minus (Cl- plus HCO3-)

Anion gap equals Na+ minus (Cl- plus HCO3-). Normal range is 8–12 mEq/L (or 12–16 if K+ is included). AG represents unmeasured anions (albumin, phosphate, sulfate, organic acids) and helps classify metabolic acidosis.

3. On a peripheral blood smear, target cells (codocytes) are most commonly associated with:

✓ Liver disease, thalassemia, hemoglobin C disease, and post-splenectomy

Target cells have excess membrane relative to hemoglobin content, creating a bull's-eye appearance. They are classic for liver disease (altered lipid composition), thalassemia, hemoglobin C or SC disease, and post-splenectomy states.

4. A CSF sample from a patient with suspected cryptococcal meningitis should have which test performed immediately?

✓ India ink preparation and cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) latex agglutination

India ink is a rapid test where the polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans or gattii excludes ink particles, creating a halo around the organism. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) latex agglutination is more sensitive (above 90%) and is the preferred rapid test.

5. A synovial fluid WBC of 50,000–200,000/µL with >90% PMNs is most consistent with:

✓ Septic arthritis

Septic arthritis typically shows WBC >50,000/µL with >90% neutrophils; crystals and lower counts are seen in gout and inflammatory arthritis.

6. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing is most relevant for which condition?

✓ Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer)

Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). Deficient MMR causes MSI — length changes in repetitive DNA sequences. MSI-H tumors in young patients prompt Lynch syndrome evaluation.

🎯 Free ASCP Practice Tests

Phlebotomy · 7 questions Phlebotomy · 7 questions Microbiology · 6 questions Clinical Chemistry · 6 questions Immunohematology (Blood Banking) · 6 questions Immunohematology (Blood Banking) · 6 questions Clinical Chemistry · 6 questions Microbiology · 6 questions Immunology and Serology · 6 questions Transfusion Medicine · 6 questions

📖 ASCP Guides & Articles

Your ASCP Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 ASCP Flashcards (212)

Was this helpful?