The Patient Blood Management Specialist (PBMS) Exam is offered three times a year. Contact ibbm@amsect.org or call 312-321-5156 with questions.
Application Dates
March 27 – April 24, 2023
June 26 – July 24, 2023
September 25 – October 31, 2023
Exam Dates
May 17 – May 19, 2023
August 16 – August 18, 2023
November 15 – November 17, 2023
Job Skills
- Able to read and apply the current scientific publications related to perioperative patient transfusions and blood conservation in the perioperative phases of care.
- Understand the pharmacology of coagulation and anticoagulation.
- Apply quality control principles and quality improvement methodologies.
- Exhibit knowledge of perioperative autologous blood salvage and preservation methodology.
- Know the principles for monitoring and testing coagulation and anticoagulation.
- Know of equipment used for blood collection and administration in the perioperative phase of inpatient care.
- Author evidence-based patient care guidelines.
- Team player/leader who can provide a clear direction and vision for the team while listening and supporting the team members.
JOB ANALYSIS CHART
A PBMS is:
- A hospital resource to help guide and eliminate unnecessary transfusions and avoid adverse patient outcomes related to the use of allogeneic blood components
- Someone who participates in data collection, quality control, data reporting, and quality improvement projects related to inpatient perioperative transfusion experiences
- Someone who participates in data collection, quality control, data reporting, and quality improvement projects related to inpatient perioperative transfusion experiences
- A Coauthor to high-reliability evidence-based hospital policies and procedures for perioperative patient blood conservation and transfusion
- Familiar with the installation, user qualifications, and procedures for the use of medical equipment and supplies for autologous blood collection and allogeneic blood administration
- Knowledgeable about methods and pharmacology to avoid and treat anemia perioperatively
- Someone who understands blood processing, laboratory testing, and diagnosis of blood disorders and coagulopathies
Requirements and Prerequisites
Anyone interested in advancing their career in Blood Management can take the exam. An individual interested in attaining certification in patient blood management should have experience with clinical application and education in blood management. Knowledge of laboratory, blood banking, and education techniques with preparation to perform leadership, coordinating, or educational roles for a patient blood management program involving inpatient perioperative and surgical practices. Participation in outpatient services with an anemia clinic is beneficial.
Application Process & Required Elements
Step 1: Submit Application
The PBMS Certification Online Application requires applicants to provide the following items:
- Personal and employer information
- Facility Information and Supervisor Contact Information
- A non-refundable $200.00 exam fee
- Proctor Application
APPLY
To preview the Proctor Guidleines, please review the form linked here: Proctor Guidelines Form.
Step 2: IBBM Verifies Information
One week before exam period opens:
- An email will be sent to the proctor with detailed exam instructions. This letter will detail the exam protocol and provide the necessary test verification form to be completed by the proctor at the end of the exam.
- The candidate will receive an email. This letter will indicate that you are eligible to sit for the exam and your proctor has been sent the necessary information for the exam.
48 Hours before exam period opens: Candidates will recieve an emailed invitation to the test taking platform EasyLMS. Please note: some institutions security systems may block emails from EasyLMS. If you do not recieve your access email, please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org
Step 3: Take Certification Exam
Examinees may select the specific day they would like to take their exam within the testing window and will have 3 hours to complete the 100 question exam. Preliminary results (exam day results) are provided immediately after completing the exam. The exam day results are final when the exam window closes, and the exams are re-scored. The official exam score and results will be mailed via USPS approximately 90 days after the close of the exam.
If the applicant passes the exam, they will receive a Patient Blood Management Specialist Certificate at the address provided on the application within 90 day of the close of the exam period.
If the applicant does not pass the exam, a letter will be mailed showing the areas of deficiencies. To retake the exam, applicants must submit a new application. If the applicant retakes the exam within nine (9) months, the fee is $100.00 USD. IBBM will reach out to those eligible for the discounted retake exam.
Recertification
Details on recertification can be found by visiting the Recertification page.
Verification
To verify an individuals current certification status please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Perioperative Blood Management Technician (PBMT) and a Patient Blood Management Specialist (PBMS)?
A PBMT is an “Autotransfusionist” or Platelet Gel/Stem Cell device operator in the operative setting; primarily, they operate the cell washers for red blood cell recovery in the perioperative setting. The PBMS is the next and higher level up. A more focused program; however, unlike the PBMT the PBMS is not restricted to only autotransfusionists.
Do you have to be a PBMT to take the PBMS exam?
Anyone with confidence in the body of knowledge of blood management can take the exam. The PBMS test is more advanced and covers a broader scope of material. While the PBMT certification is not required to take this exam, certified PBMTs may notice familiar topics and concepts addressed in the PBMS test.
More PBMS Information