So, while studying for ny ASCP exam I am having trouble in micro because we dont really do anything in my lab besides gram staining blood culture bottles for initial reports. I'm struggling to understand what the different bacteria yeasts molds and fungi look like when grown. Anyone have any tips or links to finding good visualizations?

Hello, If I apply for a retake and I don’t take an appointment within my eligibility window, does it count as a retake or I can apply again? Because my eligibility window is through May 31st but I’m not ready to take the exam yet.

Failed again. Feeling very stressed and very sad. Waiting for the results and compare if the results are more or less than the first time i took it..

Greetings Gang, We had our live study session today! Here is the recording AND the summary of what we discussed! See you on the next one! VIEW RECORDING - 102 mins (No highlights) Meeting Purpose Review random LabCE questions for ASCP exam prep. Key Takeaways - Leukoreduction vs. Irradiation: Leukoreduction prevents CMV transmission (virus is in WBCs) and febrile reactions. Irradiation is required to prevent Graft-vs-Host Disease (GvHD) by inactivating all immunocompetent lymphocytes, a step leukoreduction alone cannot guarantee. - ABO Discrepancy Types: Group 2 discrepancies are caused by weak or missing antigens (e.g., A subgroups, acquired B phenomenon), while Group 1 is from weak or missing antibodies (e.g., newborns, elderly). - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A key diagnosis for a patient with fever, elevated BP, low platelets, and schistocytes, especially with a gram-negative rod infection (often E. coli O157). - Spectrophotometry & Electrochemistry: Stray light is the primary cause of Beer's Law deviation. Electrochemistry is the basis for potentiometry, amperometry, and coulometry, which measure ions and gases (e.g., PO2 electrode). Topics Blood Bank & Transfusion - Leukoreduction vs. Irradiation - Leukoreduction: Filters WBCs from blood products.Prevents: CMV transmission (virus is in WBCs) and febrile reactions (recipient anti-WBC antibodies). Ineffective against: GvHD (some WBCs can pass filter), malaria (in RBCs), and bacteremia (bacteria are too small to be filtered). Irradiation: Inactivates all immunocompetent lymphocytes.Required for: Preventing GvHD in immunosuppressed patients. - ABO DiscrepanciesGroup 1 (Weak/Missing Antibodies) - Causes: Newborns, elderly, immunodeficiency. Result: Weak or negative reactions in the reverse grouping.Group 2 (Weak/Missing Antigens): Causes: A/B subgroups, leukemia, acquired B phenomenon. Result: Weak or negative reactions in the forward grouping. - Antibody Screen Interpretation - A positive screen requires the corresponding antigen to be present on the screening cells. If an antigen is absent, the antibody cannot be the cause of the reaction.

Greetings Gang 🫶🏽 Laboratory Professionals Week is OFFICIALLY upon us in the United States and I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you all for being here! We are THE backbone of all of healthcare, and I'm honored to be in this space, helping you on your journey to becoming a board-certified scientist. Tomorrow, Monday April 20th is our FREE LIVE STUDY SESSION at 3PM PST/6PM EST. (Remember, the Zoom link is in the Calendar of this community. If you have trouble finding it, please message me or check Facebook for the link!) 👀 What topic would we like to focus on tomorrow? Please cast your vote ⬇️ and I will see you tomorrow for the live study session! xoxo, Marilyn