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100+ Free QIA Practice Questions

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A 70-kg patient has a hematocrit of 40%. Using a blood volume of approximately 70 mL/kg, what is the estimated plasma volume?

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Key Facts: QIA Exam

50

Total Items

ASCP BOC

90 min

Exam Time

ASCP

~$260

Exam Fee

ASCP

Cat I-IV

ASFA Categories

9th edition

The ASCP QIA (Qualification in Apheresis) is a 50-item, 90-minute, ~$260 qualification exam. Co-offered with ASFA. Eligibility: RN/LPN/LVN + 3 yrs apheresis experience. Master ASFA categories (Cat I TTP/GBS/MG/anti-GBM; Cat II second-line; Cat III uncertain; Cat IV ineffective), citrate toxicity management (calcium gluconate IV), TPE math (1 PV removes ~63%), and ISHAGE-aligned HPC collection.

Sample QIA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your QIA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During centrifugation-based apheresis, which blood component layers closest to the centrifuge wall (highest density)?
A.Plasma
B.Platelets
C.Mononuclear cells
D.Red blood cells
Explanation: Red blood cells have the highest density (~1.090 g/mL) and pack against the outer wall of the centrifuge bowl. The density gradient from outer to inner is: RBCs > granulocytes > mononuclear cells > platelets > plasma.
2Which apheresis instrument uses continuous-flow centrifugation and is currently the primary platform for both donor and therapeutic procedures?
A.Haemonetics MCS+
B.Spectra Optia
C.COBE 2991
D.Fenwal CS-3000
Explanation: The Spectra Optia (Terumo BCT) is the current primary continuous-flow apheresis platform, supporting TPE, RBC exchange, leukapheresis, HPC collection, and photopheresis. It replaced the older COBE Spectra.
3Membrane-based plasma separation passes blood across what type of element to filter plasma from cellular components?
A.A magnetic field
B.A porous hollow-fiber membrane
C.A density gradient
D.An ion-exchange resin
Explanation: Membrane separation uses a porous hollow-fiber filter (pore size ~0.2-0.6 micrometers) that allows plasma but not cellular elements through. It is widely used in critical-care platforms (e.g., Prismaflex) for TPE.
4What does collection efficiency (CE) measure in apheresis?
A.Time to complete the procedure
B.Cells collected divided by cells processed (as a percentage)
C.Battery life of the instrument
D.Donor recovery time
Explanation: Collection efficiency (CE percent) equals collected cell number divided by cells processed through the instrument times 100. Typical targets are 40-60% for platelets and 50-80% for CD34+ HPC.
5In a continuous-flow apheresis circuit, the inlet line and the return line typically:
A.Both draw whole blood from the patient
B.Inlet draws blood; return reinfuses unwanted components plus replacement fluid
C.Inlet returns plasma; return draws cells
D.Both deliver only replacement fluid
Explanation: The inlet (draw) line removes whole blood from the donor or patient. After centrifugation separates components, the return line reinfuses unwanted components plus any replacement fluid back to the patient.
6The Trima Accel apheresis system (Terumo BCT) is primarily used for:
A.Therapeutic plasma exchange
B.Donor platelet, plasma, and red cell collections
C.Photopheresis
D.Bone marrow harvesting
Explanation: Trima Accel is a multi-component donor apheresis system that collects platelets, plasma, and red cells (single, double, or combination products) from a single donor in one session.
7The Amicus separator (Fresenius Kabi/Fenwal) is most commonly used for:
A.Therapeutic plasma exchange
B.Donor platelet collection (with plasma and RBC options)
C.Bone marrow processing
D.Cryopreservation
Explanation: Amicus is a continuous-flow donor apheresis system primarily used for plateletpheresis with optional concurrent plasma collection. It can also perform plateletpheresis with double/triple yields and HPC apheresis.
8What is the difference between continuous-flow and intermittent-flow apheresis?
A.Intermittent-flow uses a single venous access; continuous-flow typically uses two access sites and processes blood without batch cycling
B.There is no functional difference
C.Continuous-flow requires no anticoagulation
D.Intermittent-flow is faster than continuous-flow
Explanation: Continuous-flow apheresis (Spectra Optia, Trima, Amicus) uses two access sites and processes blood continuously. Intermittent (discontinuous) flow uses one access in alternating draw/return cycles, taking longer for the same yield.
9What is the most appropriate response when an apheresis instrument alarm indicates HIGH return pressure?
A.Increase flow rate to overcome resistance
B.Check return access for kinks, infiltration, or position; reduce flow if needed
C.Disconnect the patient immediately
D.Add more saline to the rinseback
Explanation: High return pressure usually indicates obstructed return — kinked tubing, infiltration, vein spasm, or catheter malposition. The operator should inspect access, reposition, and reduce flow rate as needed.
10An inlet flow rate exceeding the donor's venous draw capability typically results in:
A.High inlet pressure alarm (excess negative pressure on the line)
B.Improved collection efficiency
C.Hemolysis only with no alarm
D.Faster procedure with no problems
Explanation: When inlet flow exceeds the donor's venous draw, the instrument generates excessive negative pressure, triggering an inlet pressure alarm. The remedy is reducing flow rate, repositioning the access, or having the donor squeeze a ball.

About the QIA Exam

ASCP BOC Qualification credential for apheresis practitioners. Co-offered with ASFA (American Society for Apheresis), launched January 2016. Validates working knowledge of apheresis principles and instrumentation (Spectra Optia, Trima Accel, Amicus), donor apheresis (plateletpheresis, plasmapheresis, HPC collection with G-CSF + plerixafor), therapeutic apheresis (TPE, RBC exchange, photopheresis), ASFA category indications (Cat I-IV), citrate anticoagulation and toxicity management, and FDA/AABB regulation.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled

Exam Fee

~$260 (ASCP BOC)

QIA Exam Content Outline

25%

Apheresis Principles & Instrumentation

Centrifugation density separation, continuous vs intermittent flow, Spectra Optia, Trima

25%

Therapeutic Apheresis

TPE (1-1.5 PV; 5% albumin or FFP for TTP), RBC exchange, photopheresis, LDL apheresis

20%

Donor Apheresis

Plateletpheresis, plasmapheresis, 2-RU RBC, HPC collection

15%

ASFA Categories & Indications

Cat I-IV per ASFA 9th edition (TTP, GBS, MG, NMOSD, ANCA RPGN, AMR transplant)

10%

Anticoagulation, Vascular Access, Patient Care

Citrate (ACD-A) vs heparin, citrate toxicity (perioral tingling → IV Ca), peripheral 16G, central venous

5%

Adverse Events, QC, Regulation

Allergic reactions, hypotension, FDA 21 CFR 1271, AABB Standards, FACT-JACIE

How to Pass the QIA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam fee: ~$260

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

QIA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master TPE replacement: 5% albumin standard (no clotting factors); FFP for TTP (ADAMTS13)
2Memorize ASFA Cat I: TTP, GBS, MG crisis, anti-GBM Goodpasture, ANCA RPGN, AMR transplant, hyperviscosity, NMOSD
3Know citrate toxicity → calcium gluconate IV; perioral tingling is the early warning sign
4Apply 1 plasma volume calculation: PV ≈ blood volume × (1 - hematocrit); 1 PV removes ~63%; 1.5 PV ~78%
5Understand RBC exchange for sickle cell crisis: target HbS <30% post-procedure; iso-volemic

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ASFA categories?

ASFA (American Society for Apheresis) Special Issue 9th edition categorizes therapeutic apheresis indications: Category I (first-line, accepted as primary therapy — TTP, GBS, MG crisis, anti-GBM Goodpasture, ANCA RPGN); Category II (second-line accepted); Category III (optimal role uncertain — individualized); Category IV (ineffective or harmful — apheresis NOT indicated).

How is TPE replacement fluid chosen?

5% albumin is most common — minimal allergic risk, but does NOT replenish coagulation factors (concerns after multiple daily sessions). FFP for TTP (provides ADAMTS13), and considered for hyperviscosity or post-procedural bleeding risk. Combined 1:1 albumin:FFP for some scenarios. ABO-compatible plasma when using FFP.

How is citrate toxicity managed?

Citrate (ACD-A) chelates ionized calcium during apheresis. Symptoms: perioral tingling, paresthesias, muscle cramps/tetany, prolonged QTc, possible cardiac arrhythmia. Management: slow infusion rate, IV calcium gluconate replacement, monitor ionized calcium during long procedures. Patients on calcium channel blockers may have heightened sensitivity.

How should I study for ASCP QIA?

Plan 30-50 hours over 4-6 weeks. Focus on Therapeutic Apheresis (25%), Apheresis Principles (25%), and Donor Apheresis (20%). Master ASFA category indications, TPE volume math (1 PV removes ~63%, 1.5 PV ~78%), citrate toxicity recognition + IV calcium management, and ISHAGE protocol for CD34+ stem cell collection.