PBSE Exam Information and Outline
Perfusion Basic Science Examination
Syllabus Update Checked on: November 9, 2026
PBSE Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the
official PBSE exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.
The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
ABCP.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
- Exam Format
- Part I of ABCP certification; approximately 220 multiple-choice items
- Duration: 4 hours
- Emphasizes understanding of physiological and technical processes
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Cardiovascular anatomy and cardiac cycle
- Pulmonary gas exchange and oxygen transport
- Renal physiology, fluid and electrolyte balance
- Hematology and hemostasis
- Pharmacology
- Anticoagulants, antifibrinolytics and reversal agents
- Inotropes, vasopressors, vasodilators and antiarrhythmics
- Anesthetic agents and pharmacokinetics on bypass
- Pathology
- Pathophysiology of cardiac disease and systemic inflammatory response
- Laboratory Analysis
- Blood gas analysis, electrolytes and coagulation tests
- Quality Assurance
- Standards and guidelines for perfusion practice
- Devices & Equipment
- Principles of oxygenators, heat exchangers, pumps and filters
- Physics of flow, pressure and resistance
- Clinical Management
- Principles of extracorporeal circulation and myocardial protection
- Special Patient Groups
- Special Procedures / Special Techniques
- ECMO, VAD, IABP and cell salvage principles
- Catastrophic Events & Device Failure
- Monitoring