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100+ Free ASCP SH Practice Questions

Pass your Specialist in Hematology (SH) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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During primary hemostasis, platelets adhere to exposed subendothelial collagen at the site of vascular injury. This adhesion is mediated by:

A
B
C
D
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Key Facts: ASCP SH Exam

100

Exam Questions

ASCP BOC SH exam page

2h 30m

Exam Time

ASCP BOC SH exam page

400

Minimum Passing Score

ASCP 100-999 scoring scale

$310

Application Fee

ASCP BOC SH exam page

70%

First-Time Pass Rate

ASCP BOC published data

ASCP BOC lists the SH exam as 100 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes with scores reported on a 100-999 scale and 400 as the minimum passing score. The current SH application fee is $310. ASCP's SH content guideline covers coagulation physiology, laboratory testing, thrombotic and bleeding disorders, anticoagulant monitoring, and quality management.

Sample ASCP SH Practice Questions

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

1Which of the following growth factors is the primary regulator of erythropoiesis?
A.Thrombopoietin (TPO)
B.Erythropoietin (EPO)
C.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
D.Interleukin-3 (IL-3)
Explanation: Erythropoietin (EPO) is produced primarily by the peritubular cells of the kidney in response to hypoxia and is the principal growth factor driving red blood cell production. EPO binds to receptors on erythroid progenitor cells in the bone marrow, promoting their proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
2During normal hematopoiesis, the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell first differentiates into which two major progenitor lineages?
A.Myeloid and erythroid
B.Lymphoid and myeloid
C.Erythroid and megakaryocytic
D.Granulocytic and monocytic
Explanation: The pluripotent hematopoietic stem cell gives rise to two major progenitor lineages: the common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and the common lymphoid progenitor (CLP). The myeloid lineage further differentiates into erythrocytes, megakaryocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes, while the lymphoid lineage produces T cells, B cells, and NK cells.
3The primary site of hematopoiesis in a healthy adult is the:
A.Liver
B.Spleen
C.Bone marrow of the axial skeleton
D.Thymus
Explanation: In healthy adults, the bone marrow of the axial skeleton (vertebrae, sternum, ribs, pelvis, and skull) is the primary site of hematopoiesis. The liver and spleen serve as sites of hematopoiesis during fetal development but do not normally produce blood cells in adults unless extramedullary hematopoiesis occurs in pathologic states.
4A patient has the following CBC results: RBC 5.8 x 10^6/uL, Hgb 10.2 g/dL, Hct 31%, MCV 53 fL, MCH 17.6 pg, MCHC 32.9 g/dL, RDW 13.5%. The peripheral smear shows microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells with target cells. These findings are most consistent with:
A.Iron deficiency anemia
B.Beta-thalassemia minor
C.Anemia of chronic disease
D.Sideroblastic anemia
Explanation: Beta-thalassemia minor characteristically shows a disproportionately elevated RBC count relative to the degree of anemia, with microcytic hypochromic red cells, target cells, and a normal-to-low RDW. In contrast, iron deficiency anemia typically shows a low RBC count with an elevated RDW. The normal RDW of 13.5% in this case helps distinguish thalassemia trait from iron deficiency.
5A patient presents with fatigue and pallor. Laboratory results show: Hgb 8.5 g/dL, MCV 110 fL, reticulocyte count 0.5%, and hypersegmented neutrophils on peripheral smear. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely responsible?
A.Vitamin C
B.Vitamin B6
C.Vitamin B12 or folate
D.Vitamin K
Explanation: Macrocytic anemia (MCV >100 fL) with hypersegmented neutrophils (5 or more lobes) and a low reticulocyte count is the hallmark of megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or folate deficiency. These vitamins are essential for DNA synthesis, and their deficiency leads to impaired nuclear maturation with asynchronous nuclear-cytoplasmic development.
6Which hemoglobin electrophoresis pattern is characteristic of sickle cell trait (HbAS)?
A.HbS >80%, HbA absent, HbF 2-20%
B.HbA >50%, HbS 30-45%, HbA2 normal
C.HbA absent, HbF >90%
D.HbA2 >3.5%, HbF 1-5%, HbA >90%
Explanation: Sickle cell trait (HbAS) is characterized by the presence of both HbA and HbS, with HbA predominating (>50%) and HbS comprising approximately 30-45% of total hemoglobin. HbA2 remains in the normal range. This pattern distinguishes trait from sickle cell disease (HbSS), where HbA is absent.
7Schistocytes on a peripheral blood smear are most characteristic of which condition?
A.Iron deficiency anemia
B.Hereditary spherocytosis
C.Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia
D.Megaloblastic anemia
Explanation: Schistocytes (fragmented red blood cells) are the hallmark of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), seen in conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and mechanical heart valves. The fragmentation occurs as red blood cells are sheared by fibrin strands or damaged endothelium in the microvasculature.
8A patient has a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT), spherocytes on peripheral smear, elevated LDH, decreased haptoglobin, and elevated indirect bilirubin. These findings are most consistent with:
A.Hereditary spherocytosis
B.Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
C.Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
D.G6PD deficiency
Explanation: A positive DAT (Coombs test) indicates the presence of antibodies or complement bound to the red blood cell surface, which is the defining feature of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). Combined with spherocytes, elevated LDH, decreased haptoglobin, and elevated indirect bilirubin (markers of hemolysis), this presentation is classic for AIHA.
9The reticulocyte count is used to assess bone marrow:
A.Granulopoietic capacity
B.Thrombopoietic capacity
C.Erythropoietic response
D.Lymphopoietic response
Explanation: The reticulocyte count measures the number of immature red blood cells (reticulocytes) released from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood. It reflects the erythropoietic response of the marrow and helps classify anemias as hypoproliferative (low reticulocyte count) or hyperproliferative (high reticulocyte count, as seen in hemolytic anemias or acute blood loss).
10In flow cytometric immunophenotyping, which CD marker is used as the primary gating marker to identify blast cells in acute leukemia?
A.CD34
B.CD45
C.CD19
D.CD33
Explanation: CD45 (leukocyte common antigen) combined with side scatter (SSC) is the standard gating strategy for identifying blast populations in acute leukemia by flow cytometry. Blasts typically show dim CD45 expression with low side scatter. This CD45/SSC gating approach correlates better with morphologic blast counts than forward/side scatter gating alone.

About the ASCP SH Exam

The ASCP SH exam certifies specialists in hematology covering primary and secondary hemostasis, coagulation cascade, fibrinolysis, thrombophilia and hypercoagulable states, anticoagulant therapy monitoring, coagulation testing, platelet function testing, factor assays, mixing studies, quality assurance, and point-of-care testing. ASCP exams are delivered at Pearson VUE test centers.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score 400 (100-999)

Exam Fee

$310 (ASCP BOC / Pearson VUE)

ASCP SH Exam Content Outline

20-25%

Coagulation Physiology

Primary hemostasis, secondary hemostasis, coagulation cascade (intrinsic, extrinsic, common pathways), and fibrinolysis

25-30%

Coagulation Testing

PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, D-dimer, thrombin time, mixing studies, factor assays, inhibitor testing, and algorithmic testing

15-20%

Bleeding Disorders

Hemophilia A and B, von Willebrand disease, platelet function disorders, DIC, and inherited bleeding disorders

15-20%

Thrombotic Disorders

Thrombophilia, hypercoagulable states, lupus anticoagulant, antiphospholipid syndrome, and anticoagulant therapy monitoring

10-15%

Platelet Function Testing

Platelet aggregation, PFA-100/200, flow cytometry, and platelet morphology evaluation

5-10%

Quality Management

QC procedures, proficiency testing, pre-analytical variables, and point-of-care coagulation testing

How to Pass the ASCP SH Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score 400 (100-999)
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Exam fee: $310

Keys to Passing

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

ASCP SH Study Tips from Top Performers

1Weight your study plan to the blueprint: coagulation testing and physiology carry the highest combined weight
2Master the coagulation cascade — know the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways cold
3Understand mixing studies and how they differentiate factor deficiencies from inhibitors
4Know all anticoagulant therapies (heparin, warfarin, DOACs) and their monitoring parameters
5Study thrombophilia workups: lupus anticoagulant testing, antiphospholipid antibodies, and factor V Leiden
6Review pre-analytical variables that affect coagulation testing results

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ASCP SH exam?

ASCP BOC lists the SH exam at 100 questions with a 2 hour 30 minute testing time. Questions are multiple choice and mapped to the SH content guideline domains.

What score do I need to pass ASCP SH?

ASCP reports exam scores on a 100-999 scale. The minimum passing score is 400.

What topics are tested on ASCP SH?

The SH guideline domains cover coagulation testing (25-30%), coagulation physiology (20-25%), bleeding disorders (15-20%), thrombotic disorders (15-20%), platelet function testing (10-15%), and quality management (5-10%).

How much is the ASCP SH exam fee?

The current ASCP BOC SH application fee is $310 (non-refundable) per the ASCP SH credential page.

How should I study for ASCP SH?

Use blueprint-weighted prep: 1) master coagulation testing methods and interpretation, 2) study coagulation cascade physiology, 3) learn bleeding and thrombotic disorder diagnosis, 4) review platelet function testing and quality management.

What are the ASCP SH eligibility requirements?

Candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science plus documented experience in hemostasis/coagulation. Multiple eligibility routes exist — verify your specific route on the ASCP BOC SH page before applying.