What are Credits?
When a laboratory is enrolled with API for proficiency testing, Physicians, Medical Laboratory Scientists, and Technicians can earn up to 21 free CME or CMLE credits per year through an arrangement between API and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). There is no limit on how many people at each laboratory can use this feature; each staff member can be signed up for a personal account to earn their own credits.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Physicians enrolled with API can earn up to 18 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM per year for their participation in the online self-assessment activities associated with each proficiency testing event.
Continuing Medical Laboratory Education (CMLE)
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians can earn ASCP CMLE credit for their participation in the online self-assessment activities associated with each proficiency testing event. CMLE credits are equivalent to 1 contact hour for requirements that are stated as 12 hours or 0.1 CEUs for requirements of 1.2 CEUs per year.
Using Applied Credits
Multiple credits are offered each year in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, Immunology, Laboratory Management, Microbiology, and Microscopy.
Each new educational exercise is available for 12 months.
To have credits applied to a particular requirement:
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the accredited provider of these continuing education exercises. ASCP CMLE credit hours meet the continuing education requirements of the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) and are also approved for use by California, Florida, Louisiana, and other states requiring continuing education. Further information is listed on the Certificate of Participation issued after each exercise is completed.
To receive credit electronically on your ASCP transcript or in Florida’s CE Broker system, your accounts at API and those organizations need to be matched by computer. All electronic transfers are done through ASCP, and require an ASCP customer account (available at no charge) even if you are not ASCP certified. Florida transfers also require that you submit a copy of your state license to ASCP, so your hours can be credited to the proper license number.
Credits will be sent to CE Broker for Florida licensure once the necessary information is provided to ASCP. Courses are reported under general discipline headings and do not fulfill Florida requirements for specific topics such as HIV/AIDS, medical errors, or state laws. Search CE Broker for approved courses on these topics.
Phlebotomists may use these courses for ASCP and California requirements, but not for the state of Florida. Nurses and other health professionals should check with their credentialing agency about whether ASCP credits are applicable to their requirements.
Please contact API with any further questions.
Educational Commentaries
This library of Educational Commentaries is part of the free continuing education program available to Paperless Proficiency Testing participants.
Select a discipline heading below to view a list of related commentaries.
Blood Bank
| Anti-K and the K Antigen (2018) |
| Antibody Detection (2002) |
| Antibody Elution Testing: When and How (2008) |
| Antibody Identification Systems (2017) |
| Antibody Titrations (2012) |
| Clinically Significant Antibodies (2019) |
| Direct Antiglobulin Testing (DAT) (2004) |
| Direct Antiglobulin Testing (DAT) Update (2013) |
| Donor Center Updates from FDA (2016) |
| Donor Testing for Communicable Diseases (2006) |
| Electronic Crossmatches (2011) |
| Emerging Infectious Disease Agents (2014) |
| Fetal Cell Detection and Quantification (2005) |
| Fetal Cell Detection and Quantification (2014) |
| Gel and Automated Testing Methods Update; Review of ABO Discrepancies (2007) |
| Immediate Spin Crossmatch (2013) |
| Massive Transfusion Protocol (2018) |
| Molecular Testing of Blood Antigens (2011) |
| Monoclonal Antibodies and Their Effects on Blood Bank Testing (2019) |
| New and Emerging Products in Transfusion Medicine |
| Pathogen Reduction Technology (2017) |
| Platelet Refactoriness (2017) |
| Platelet Transfusion Incompatibilities (2010) |
| RBC Transfusions in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (2016) |
| Red Cell Genotyping in Transfusion Medicine |
| Rh Typing (2006) |
| RhD and RhIG in Obstetric Patients (2015) |
| Shortages in Blood Bank – Seasonal and Miscellaneous |
| Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura |
| Transfusion Reactions: Investigation (2015) |
| Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (2009) |
| Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (2015) |
| Warm Autoantibodies and Transfusion (2010) |
Chemistry
| Acetaminophen Overdose Testing (2007) |
| Acute Kidney Injury |
| Alcohol and Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) in Urine (2017) |
| Amphetamines and Related Compounds (2008) |
| Arterial Blood Gases (2005) |
| Arterial Blood Gases: Acid-Base Balance (2014) |
| Biotin Interference (2019) |
| BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) (2002) |
| BNP and NT-proBNP Update (2006) |
| BNP and NT-proBNP Update (2013) |
| Body Fluid Analysis (2018) |
| C-peptide and Insulin (2005) |
| CA 125 (2007) |
| CA 125 vs. HE4: Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer (2016) |
| CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 (2004) |
| Cannabidiol (CBD) |
| Cannabinoids (2017) |
| Cardiac Function: Biochemical Markers (2008) |
| Cardiac Function: Biochemical Markers Update (2011) |
| Cardiac Markers (2001) |
| Cardiac Markers Update (2006) |
| Cholesterol-Based Cardiovascular Risk Assessment (2014) |
| Cholesterol: What to Measure? (2010) |
| Cholinesterase |
| Diabetes Testing Update (2006) |
| Eclampsia, Preeclampsia, and Other Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (2015) |
| Electrolytes: Na+, K+, Ca+2, Mg+2 (2015) |
| Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) (2009) |
| Fetal Fibronectin (2004) |
| Future of Tumor Marker Testing |
| Glycated Hemoglobin (2002) |
| Glycated Hemoglobin Update (2013) |
| High Sensitivity CRP in Cardiovascular Disease (2005) |
| High Sensitivity Troponin (2018) |
| Homocysteine (2001) |
| Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) (2002) |
| Insulin Resistance and 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (2016) |
| Iron Status Assessment (2010) |
| Ketosis (2019) |
| Lead Testing (2017) |
| Liver Function Enzymes (2003) |
| Liver Function: A Review |
| Methadone (2010) |
| Osteoporosis-Related Laboratory Tests (2009) |
| POC Measurements of Maternal Glucose and the Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes |
| Potassium: Interpretation of Results (2009) |
| Procalcitonin |
| Procalcitonin (2011) |
| Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) (2003) |
| Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Update (2012) |
| Protein and Its Importance to the Body (2016) |
| Renal Function Testing (2014) |
| Rupture of Fetal Membranes (ROM) – Advances in Detection (2008) |
| Sepsis: Diagnosis and Management with Laboratory Testing (2015) |
| Testosterone and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (2013) |
| Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Total and/or Free Drug Levels (2012) |
| Thyroid and Parathyroid Testing (2005) |
| Thyroid Testing (2019) |
| Thyroid Testing: Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases (2007) |
| Thyroid Testing: Hashimoto Thyroiditis vs. Hypothyroidism (2015) |
| Urine Drug Screening (2020) |
| Urine Drug Testing (2003) |
| Urine Drug Testing Update (2011) |
| Vancomycin Monitoring (2018) |
| Vitamin D (2012) |
Coagulation
| Anticoagulant Monitoring and Point-of-Care Testing (2006) |
| Anticoagulation Therapies and Reversal Agents (2017) |
| Bleeding Disorders: Hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease (2018) |
| Coagulation Complications from Covid-19 |
| Coagulation Testing – Preanalytic Variables |
| Coagulation Testing Overview (2015) |
| D-Dimer (2004) |
| D-Dimer Straight Talk (2007) |
| D-Dimer Update (2011) |
| D-Dimer Update (2019) |
| Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) (2009) |
| Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Update (2011) |
| Factor V Leiden (2014) |
| Future of Coagulation Testing (2013) |
| Heparin and the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (2012) |
| International Normalized Ratio (INR) (2002) |
| Plasma and Indications for Use |
| Platelet Disorders (2012) |
| Platelet Function Tests and Aspirin Inhibition (2010) |
| POC Testing for Coagulation – Advantages and Limitations |
| Protein C and Protein S: Blood’s Natural Anticoagulants |
| Prothrombin Time and INR (2009) |
| PT and APTT: Reasons for Abnormal Results (2010) |
| Unfractionated Heparin Monitoring: Limitations and Interference (2019) |
| Viscoelastometry Testing: When Is It Useful? (2016) |
Hematology
| Advanced Clinical Parameters (2016) |
| Blood Cell ID: A Case of Infection with a Plasmodium Species (2019) |
| Blood Cell ID: Acute Myelocytic (Myeloblastic) Leukemia (AML) (2018) |
| Blood Cell ID: Chronic Myeloid (Myelogenous) Leukemia (CML) (2019) |
| Blood Cell ID: Hairy Cell Leukemia (2018) |
| Blood Cell ID: Identifying Normal Peripheral Blood Cells |
| Blood Cell ID: Leukocytes and Erythrocytes in a case of Megaloblastic Anemia |
| Blood Cell ID: Leukocytes in a Case of Pelger-Huët Anomaly |
| Blood Cell ID: Peripheral Blood Cells in a Case of Infectious Mononucelosis (2019) |
| Blood Cell ID: Peripheral Blood cells in a Case of Iron-Deficiency Anemia |
| Blood Cell ID: Peripheral Blood Cells in Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia |
| Blood Cell ID: Sickle Cell Anemia (2018) |
| Blood Cell ID: Sickle Cell Anemia: Leukocytes and Erythrocytes |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid – Differential Cell Counts (2009) |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid Cell Counts (2005) |
| Comparing Mononuclear Cells (2014) |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Its Clinical Utility (2006) |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: Innovating a Classic (2019) |
| Fecal Lactoferrin (2010) |
| Granulocyte Formation and Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia (2015) |
| Hemoglobin Electrophoresis (2014) |
| Hemolysis – Impact on Hematology Testing (2018) |
| Manual Differential: Auto Reflex Guidelines (2017) |
| Peripheral Blood Cells in a case of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia |
| Pleural Fluid Analysis (2015) |
| RBC Indices and the Differential Diagnosis of Anemias (2009) |
| RBCs and WBCs in Urinalysis (2014) |
| Review of Anemia |
| Synovial Fluid Analysis (2016) |
| The Rule of 3 |
Immunology
| Allergen-Specific IgE Testing (2008) |
| Allergies to Food: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis (2014) |
| Allergy Testing (2007) |
| Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) Deficiency (2014) |
| Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Testing (2018) |
| Autoimmune Disease Overview (2009) |
| Autoimmune Disease Testing (2012) |
| Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases (2007) |
| C-Reactive Protein (2001) |
| C-Reactive Protein Update (2010) |
| Celiac Disease (2011) |
| Complement System (2003) |
| Covid-19 Testing – Molecular vs Serology |
| EBV and Infectious Mono |
| Emerging Chronic Food Allergy – Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) |
| Emerging Measles Outbreak |
| Haptoglobin (2010) |
| Hashimoto Thyroiditis vs. Hypothyroidism (2015) |
| Helicobacter pylori in Ulcer Disease (2004) |
| Helicobacter pylori Testing (2011) |
| Hepatitis C |
| Hepatitis C Basics (2009) |
| Hepatitis Markers (2002) |
| Hepatitis Markers Update (2006) |
| Hepatitis Markers Update (2012) |
| Hepatitis Markers Update (2017) |
| Herpes Simplex Virus (2014) |
| Herpes Zoster / Shingles (2016) |
| High Sensitivity CRP in Cardiovascular Disease (2005) |
| HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (2003) |
| HIV Rapid Tests (2006) |
| HIV/AIDS – Preventing Transmission (2007) |
| HIV/AIDS: The Epidemic (2009) |
| HIV: Proposed New Testing and Diagnosis Algorithm (2013) |
| HLA – Human Leukocyte Antigen System (2019) |
| Immunity of the Gut Microbiome (2019) |
| Immunoproliferative Disorders (2018) |
| Infectious Mononucleosis Testing (2002) |
| Infectious Mononucleosis Testing Update (2006) |
| Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases (2014) |
| Lyme Disease Diagnosis (2005) |
| Myasthenia Gravis (2016) |
| Mycoplasma pneumoniae Antibodies (2011) |
| Neuromuscular Autoimmune Diseases (2017) |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis with Anti-CCP (2013) |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis: Differential Diagnosis (2015) |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis: Testing and Diagnosis (2010) |
| Rheumatoid Factor in Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis (2003) |
| Rubella Infection and Testing (2002) |
| Rubella Infection: Significance of Testing (2008) |
| Syphilis Testing (2005) |
| Syphilis Testing Update (2012) |
| Syphilis Update |
| TORCH Screening |
| West Nile Virus (2004) |
| West Nile Virus Update (2008) |
| West Nile Virus Update (2013) |
Laboratory Medicine / Management
| Competency Assessment in the Clinical Laboratory (2013) |
| Competency Assessment: The Role of Proficiency Testing (2019) |
| Emerging Infectious Diseases with Global Impact (2016) |
| Error Prevention in the Analytic Phase of the Testing Process (2009) |
| Error Prevention in the Pre-analytic Phase of the Testing Process (2008) |
| Impact of Hospital-Acquired Conditions on Medicare Reimbursement (2009) |
| Inventory Management: Managing Reagents and Consumables in the Laboratory (2018) |
| IQCP – Key Components (2018) |
| IQCP and Risk Assessment in the Clinical Laboratory (2014) |
| Lab Safety – PPE |
| Laboratory Downtimes |
| Laboratory Personnel Safety and Emergency Preparedness |
| Laboratory Safety Update (2008) |
| Laboratory Safety Update: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (2010) |
| Laboratory Safety Update: New Workplace Rules (2012) |
| Laboratory Standards: Quality Control, Proficiency Testing, Guidelines, and Inspections (2010) |
| Meaningful Use: Implementing Certified EHR Technology (2015) |
| Method Validation – Calibration and Linearity (2007) |
| Method Validation – Calibration and Linearity Update (2012) |
| New Instrument Implementation: Automated Blood Banking Systems (2017) |
| Patient Safety (2015) |
| Patient Safety Events: Quality Improvement Tools (2016) |
| Point of Care Testing Data Management (2011) |
| Pre-Analytic Errors and Electronic PPID (2017) |
| Preanalytic Errors Associated with Blood Collection (2008) |
| Proficiency Testing as a Quality Improvement Tool (2007) |
| Proficiency Testing Failure: Now What? (2014) |
| Quality Management and Protocol for Risk Assessment |
| Seven Safety Tips for Handling Blood Before, During, and After Phlebotomy (2005) |
| Test Utilization Management (2019) |
| Unannounced Surveys: New Requirements (2007) |
Microbiology
| Anaerobic Bacteria (2004) |
| Anaerobic Bacteria: Laboratory Assessment (2007) |
| Anaerobic Bacteria: Update (2012) |
| Antibiotics Primer for the Laboratory Professional (2018) |
| Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Methods (2019) |
| Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: Reasons for Standardization (2006) |
| Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: Resources and Recent Updates (2016) |
| Aspergillus Species (2006) |
| Blood Cultures (2002) |
| Blood Cultures Update (2010) |
| Burkholderia cepacia Complex (2008) |
| C difficile Update |
| Campylobacter (2004) |
| Campylobacter Update (2011) |
| Campylobacter Update (2016) |
| Candida auris |
| Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: On the Rise (2014) |
| Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms Testing |
| Clostridium difficile (2010) |
| Clostridium difficile Update (2013) |
| Cryptosporidium (2009) |
| Dermatophytes |
| Detection of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer (2019) |
| E. coli O157:H7 (2002) |
| E. coli O157:H7 and Other Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (2008) |
| Emerging Infectious Disease Agents (2014) |
| Emerging Infectious Diseases with Global Impact (2016) |
| Enteric Pathogen Testing (2015) |
| Enterococcus – Vancomycin Resistance (2007) |
| Fecal Specimen Preservation for Ova and Parasite Exams (2002) |
| Food Microbiology Laboratories and Proficiency Testing (2012) |
| Gram Stain (2004) |
| Gram Stain – Reading and Reporting Direct Smears |
| Gram Stain Update (2009) |
| Group B Strep: Prevention of Perinatal Disease (2014) |
| Helicobacter pylori in Ulcer Disease (2004) |
| Helicobacter pylori Testing (2011) |
| Herpes Simplex Virus (2014) |
| Herpes Zoster / Shingles (2016) |
| Influenza A and B (2003) |
| Influenza Diagnosis by Molecular Methods (2012) |
| Influenza Update (2010) |
| Legionella (2005) |
| MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry (2014) |
| MALDI-TOF MS Implementation (2018) |
| Meningococcal Meningitis: Neisseria meningitidis Serogroups (2017) |
| Mycobacteria Detection and Identification (2005) |
| Mycoplasma genitalium |
| Neisseria gonorrhoeae (2015) |
| Norovirus (2016) |
| Parasitology: Cost-Effective Techniques (2008) |
| Pathogens Transmitted by Ticks (2014) |
| Pertussis (2013) |
| Pharyngitis: Causes and How to Differentiate Them (2019) |
| Pseudomonas and Proteus in Urine Cultures (2005) |
| Rapid Testing for Infectious Diseases: Antigen vs. Molecular (2018) |
| Scabies Testing and Diagnosis (2013) |
| Sepsis: Diagnosis and Management with Laboratory Testing (2015) |
| Sepsis: Recent Developments for Rapid Identification of Bloodstream Pathogens (2015) |
| Staphylococcus aureus – Antibiotic Resistance (2006) |
| Staphylococcus aureus – Methicillin Resistance (2003) |
| Staphylococcus aureus – Methicillin Resistance Update (2011) |
| Staphylococcus saprophyticus Identification (2007) |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae – Antibiotic Resistance (2003) |
| Throat Cultures (2011) |
| Tick-Borne Illness |
| Tuberculosis Part I: An Old Disease With New Threats (2017) |
| Tuberculosis Part II: Diagnostic Testing for Detection and Treatment (2018) |
| Tuberculosis: Drug Resistance and Recent Trends (2009) |
| Vaginal Infections – Gardnerella vaginalis (2001) |
| Vaginal Infections: Diagnostic Considerations (2006) |
| Vaginal Infections: Testing Options (2013) |
| Vaginal Wet Prep (2015) |
| Zika Virus (2017) |
Microscopy
| Bedbugs (2018) |
| Blood Parasites |
| Body Fluid Microscopy – Bone Marrow Contamination in Cerebrospinal Fluid |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid – Differential Cell Counts (2009) |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid Cell Counts (2005) |
| Clue Cell Morphology: Diagnostic Considerations (2006) |
| Malaria (2019) |
| Pleural Fluid Analysis (2015) |
| Polarizing vs. Nonpolarizing Crystals (2011) |
| RBCs and WBCs in Urinalysis (2014) |
| Rupture of Fetal Membranes (ROM) – Advances in Detection (2008) |
| Scabies Testing and Diagnosis (2013) |
| Smudge Cells: Useless Artifact or Prognostic Indicator? (2017) |
| Sperm Analysis and Fertility (2018) |
| Sperm Counts: Current Methods (2010) |
| Sperm Morphology (2006) |
| Stool Microscopic Ova and Parasite Examination |
| Synovial Fluid Analysis (2016) |
| Synovial Fluid Crystals: Monosodium Urate, Calcium Pyrophosphate, and Cholesterol (2007) |
| Tick-Borne Pathogens (2014) |
| Urinary Crystals (2019) |
| Urine Casts (2017) |
| Urine Particle Analysis – Automated Methods (2011) |
| Vaginal Wet Prep (2015) |