Guest guest Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 Actually, the opposite. Allergies that I'd put up with for 40+ years disappeared 3 or 4 years before my dx. Some time after diagnosis, I began to wonder if the lymphoma had something to do with desensitizing my system to the pollens.LonFrom: Ellen <rhudy@...> Sent: Sat, October 2, 2010 10:46:27 AMSubject: question I read a long time ago that cllers just do not get allergies. I seem to have acquired an allergy to ragweed and pollen. It has something to do with mast cells being activated. Has anyone else on this list acquired an allergy years after dx.? Thanks, Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 Certainly, many CLL patients are hyper sensitive both to food and things like insect stings etc. There is an excellent book on the immune system that I can recommend. Probably available in your library... It goes into great length about IgE and allergic reactions How the Immune System Works By Sompayrac ~chris > > I read a long time ago that cllers just do not get allergies. I seem to > have acquired an allergy to ragweed and pollen. It has something to do > with mast cells being activated. Has anyone else on this list acquired > an allergy years after dx.? > Thanks, > Ellen > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 Thanks to you and all else who responded. I USED to get mega-reactions to mosquito bites, but in the last 2 yrs., the bites are about normal size. I've never had allergies before in my life, and I'm 66. Wonder what's going on. I now have classic ragweed and pollen symptoms. I will keep looking into this. I'll check out the book, too. Ellen cllcanada wrote: > Certainly, many CLL patients are hyper sensitive both to food and things like insect stings etc. > > There is an excellent book on the immune system that I can recommend. Probably available in your library... > > It goes into great length about IgE and allergic reactions > > How the Immune System Works > By Sompayrac > > ~chris > > > > > > I read a long time ago that cllers just do not get allergies. I seem to > > have acquired an allergy to ragweed and pollen. It has something to do > > with mast cells being activated. Has anyone else on this list acquired > > an allergy years after dx.? > > Thanks, > > Ellen > > > > ------------------------------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 I looked up the book on amazon.com. I was set to buy it, but then I came across the book " Immunology Made Ridiculously Simple. " So I ordered that one first, to solidify the basic principles...............I know some stuff already, but would like more basic knowledge before I buy the book you recommended. Thanks, Ellen cllcanada wrote: > Certainly, many CLL patients are hyper sensitive both to food and things like insect stings etc. > > There is an excellent book on the immune system that I can recommend. Probably available in your library... > > It goes into great length about IgE and allergic reactions > > How the Immune System Works > By Sompayrac > > ~chris > > > > > > I read a long time ago that cllers just do not get allergies. I seem to > > have acquired an allergy to ragweed and pollen. It has something to do > > with mast cells being activated. Has anyone else on this list acquired > > an allergy years after dx.? > > Thanks, > > Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 2, 2010 Report Share Posted October 2, 2010 If you want something a bit more interactive try this link... http://immunology.medicine.dal.ca/bookcase/ It is for first year med students but it is excellent in explaining many things related to the immune system ~chris > > > > > > I read a long time ago that cllers just do not get allergies. I seem to > > > have acquired an allergy to ragweed and pollen. It has something to do > > > with mast cells being activated. Has anyone else on this list acquired > > > an allergy years after dx.? > > > Thanks, > > > Ellen > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 3, 2010 Report Share Posted October 3, 2010 Also, I apologize for not introducing myself or being very active on this site. I've been busy studying for the tech exam but I read all the emails! I am from California and have a Bachelor's degree in Biology. I have been volunteering at a private retail pharmacy since last October. I absolutely love it, which is why I would like to become certified and have more hands on experience. I found out about this group after purchasing the Tech Lectures manual. I just joined the group about a month or two ago. The group has been very helpful and has many great resources that I have spent time looking at and am very appreciative about. Thank you for putting in all this time for us to work towards becoming certified. Thanks again Asmarah On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 1:37 PM, Asmarah Amin <asmarah.a@...> wrote: > Hi, > > I'm taking the national exam in 3 weeks. I've been studying with the Tech > Lectures manual and Mosby's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam book. Of > both books, Mosby's is very detailed and comprehensive. I've been using the > Tech Lectures to guide me on what areas I should focus on, but I'm still a > bit nervous about whether I am completely prepared or not, since I didn't go > through a pharm tech program. Sometimes it seems like any question about > anything related to pharmacy can be on the exam and I won't be ready to > answer it! But realistically, you can't memorize everything right?! > I've looked at the study materials on the group and it's helped, > thanks! > > But, Jeanetta and for those who have taken the exam, I am worried most > about how much detail I should focus on memorizing medications, their trade, > generic, and classifications. > > Any advice would be appreciated. Looking forward to the help! > > Thank you! > > Asmarah Amin > -- " ...for what else is there for us in this world except to make a good intention to work hard and to struggle and to prepare for our meeting with Allah (SWT)? " -Imam Zaid Shakir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 3, 2010 Report Share Posted October 3, 2010 Dear Asmarah Amin, Congratulations for taking the right step in acquiring TWO books plus using this site to study for the PTCB exam! You just proved WHY you should have two different exams study guides. The perspectives and emphasis are different among the authors. I can tell you that Mr Medina of Techlectures has been in the past of the opinion that you should not waste time studying for the Trade and generics because he believes that there are 'relatively' few Trade/generic questions on the exam to warrent it when you could be studying other things. Yet he does have the Top 200 drugs listed in his book. I am not sure if his opinion has changed in the last 2 years or not. That being said I have always maintained my opinion that the test does ask pharmacology questions as well, not just plain Trade/generic questions. So while it is true that there are few questions that are straight forward Trade/generic questions such as " which of the following is the generic name for XYZ? " there are also test questions that encompass: 1. Classifications 2. Use and Indications (UAD's for specific disease states) 3. Storage and Handling (Safety Precautions) 4. Availability (Possible drug dosage forms and strengths) 5. Site of Action 6. Mechanism of Action 7. Site of Metabolism 8. Adverse Reactions (SE an TE) 9. Drug Interactions 10. Precautions 11. Contraindications 12. Allergies most common with specific drugs 13. Common Idiocycratic responses with specific drugs 14. Auxiliary labels that should be applied 15. Anything peculiuar to the drug (that which is not usual to other drugs) 16. Look-alike and Sound-alike drugs in an answer to confuse you 17. Packaging for the patient vs packaging from the manufacturer. The above is what is known as pharmacology. It is in brief compared to what the pharmacist must know. You have no clue which questions you will be asked about which drugs on the exam - NO ONE KNOWS! (except for PTCB). And you have no clue how much WEIGHT will be put upon each type of question. Some weigh more others less, this is called 'scaled' weighted questions. So the minimum score of 650 points out of 900 points are scaled points, meaning that the questions do not all count 1 point each. This by the way is a 72% of scaled points. To answer ANYONE of the above types of questions you would have to have studied the full pharmacology of the drug (yes that would mean each of the 200 drugs). That means all of the drus you can since you don't know which ones will be on the exam. That TRANSCENDS into you don't know which drugs you are going to fill on a given day in the pharmacy. You can bet on a specific group of drugs, IF you have experience as a tech, which ones you will fill because they are called fast movers. Given the fact that there are 90 questions which will count towards the exam, I don't think that if there were only 1 type of the above question for 17 different drugs on the exam that you would want to ignore pharmacology, nor ignore the Trade and generic list. PLEASE remember that the goal of taking the PTCB exam is not merely the passing of it, but to PREPARE you to BE the BEST Technician you can be, so that you do not end up taking the life of a little baby girl or boy because you did not or do not know: 1. The tonicity of blood, and therefore the problem with using 23.4% NaCl vs 0.9% NaCl in an IV. 2. The difference between diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate 3. The difference between 10 USP Units of Heparin, 100 USP Units of Heparin, 1000 USP Units of Heparin, 10,000 USP Units of Heparin 4. The difference between digoxin 0.125 mg and 125 mcg or digoxin 0.125 mg vs 0.25 mg 5. The significance of a prescription that reads Halcion 0.5 mg MRx1, what is wrong with this order. 6. The significance of Calcium Chloride and Potassium Phosphate being placed one after the other in an intravenous admixture. The list is endless. So anyone out there reading, if you think you will learn all of the above (and so much more) on the job 'in time' - " quick enough " to save a life and prevent a medication error, please know that once you are hired or in training on the job you will be too busy answering phones, retrieving drugs from the shelf, shelving/stocking and unpacking drug orders, ordering drugs, selecting, counting, pouring, mixing drugs, computer generating labels and labeling prescription drug containers, entering Rx orders into the computer, adjudicating/processing orders, calling paitients/doctors offices/nurses/various departments, greeting varous people not just patients at the window, delivering meds, dispensing meds to patients/nurses/floor stock, prepackaging unit dose or prepackaging containers of commonly prescribed drugs, filling cassettes/robots, making IVPB's/LVP's/TPN's, compounding various other dosage forms, billing and insurance, patient advocacy, examining results for significant clinical lab values (advanced tech duty) etc, etc etc This list, too is endless. And ALL the TIME you are doing the above you don't have time to learn the pharmaology that you should have known before you even stepped foot in the pharmacy in order NOT to make any of the outlined mistakes! AND dont' forget you will still NEED to be learning the pharmacology of NEW drugs that your pharmacy just got in on the shelves because they are new on the market. And ALL the time using the pharmacology that you should have known to prevent a medication error, report one, find one before it is given to the patient (intervnetion of a near miss). Formal education does give a bit of a jump on this or a head start. The program taht I teach has over 800 drugs that the student must learn the pharmacology, not merely the trade and generic. Even that however can not totally prepare the tech/you for what is in store for them/you on the job. Oh yeah one more thing you will be very busy...er too busy, learning the computer system and the mneuonics in order to perform order entry and produce labels, to be learning pharmacology on the job. Many find the job learning experience very overwhelming and stressful. But those who do the best and find it the easiest or less stressful are those are the most prepared and have learned the most before entering a pharmacy. I do not mean to scare you! There are way more drugs on the market now than there was 10, 15 or 20 years ago. More delivery systems and drug dosage forms exist, more tests that can aid diagnostics. I only wish to make a point. Preparing for the PTCB should not be just to pass, but rather to perform as a tech learning on the job at your optimum, and with as much knowledge as possible to prevent an error or at least recognize that you do not know enough about what you are supposed to know to fill an order and to STOP and ask a PHARMACIST. Sounds easy! But you would be surprised how many " think that they know " what they are supposed to or should know, and therefore do not ask. In some defense of the technician who has been blamed for the medication error that caused the death of little in the state of Ohio, she did say that she felt that something was off, something was wrong with the order or how she filled it. She did report it to the pharmacist. But she just did not know about tonicity because she never studied for the PTCB exam or went to a formal school program, not to mention her lack of time on the job/experience. Litle from Ohio, about tougher Ohio laws How cute she was! http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/2008-02-24-emily_N.htm 's Story " Jerry died at the age of two as the result of a medication error caused by a pharmacy technician. On the day that was to have her final chemo treatment and received an excellent prognosis from physicians, she was given a fatal dosage of chemotherapy. The pharmacy technician who prepared 's chemotherapy had opted to compound her own normal saline base solution, as opposed to using a commercially manufactured (prepacked) IV solution bag. Standard IV bags contain a base solution of 0.9% NaCL (sodium chloride); the base solution prepared for contained approximately 20x the standard concentration of sodium chloride. Prior to entering a coma, grabbed her head, screamed and cried as she experienced a fatal overdose of sodium chloride. Although pharmacy technicians practice under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, the public assumes that these individuals are still required to be properly trained and demonstrate competency to work within a pharmacy setting. While controversy still remains over the specific circumstances of what occurred that day in the pharmacy, the fact remains that a major medication error occurred, went uncaught and ultimately cost Jerry her life. In the aftermath, local and national media attention exposed the gross inadequacies of pharmacy technician standards and regulations in Ohio (as well as across most of the United States). " Please re-read: " Prior to entering a coma, grabbed her head, screamed and cried as she experienced a fatal overdose of sodium chloride. " Even if she/the Ohio technician had studied for the exam, if she had been the type of person to say to herself " Oh I don't need to study that because there will only be 17 questions out of 90 (19%) questions like that on the exam " , then studying for the exam would be meaningless and the death of a patient (no matter the age) would be PURE MEANINGLESS. Okay if you have not figured it out yet, I do not agree with studyng just the minimum! Go for it! The life you save may be your friend's,relative's or even your own! What I mean by that is saving yourself from the agony of maming or killing someone (a true life sentence) or paying a high fine or being sued for all you have except for your house and car or paying the price with your reputation and career (your home life will be destroyed)! And possibly from time in prison, like the pharmacist who failed to get up off his rear end and check out the IV and what the tech was talking about. I pray that the technician got some counseling. YES we can all make mistakes and we will! Studies have proven that that about " 195,000 people die from preventable medical mistakes each year. " (HealthGrades) BUT if WE, YOU or I can avoid them by our ACTIONS or shall I say if we can CAUSE them by our ACTIONS, as well as INACTIONS, then we can only say we are the root cause of the specific medication error. Choosing not to study, no to learn as much as we can is an INACTION and it is deliberate! " A total of 391 patients with 420 unit admissions were studied during 1490 patient-days. We found 120 adverse events in 79 patients (20.2%), including 66 (55%) nonpreventable and 54 (45%) preventable adverse events as well as 223 serious errors. The rates per 1000 patient-days for all adverse events, preventable adverse events, and serious errors were 80.5, 36.2, and 149.7, respectively. Conclusions: Adverse events and serious errors involving critically ill patients were common and often potentially life-threatening. Although many types of errors were identified, failure to carry out intended treatment correctly was the leading category. " The Critical Care Safety Study: The incidence and nature of adverse events and serious medical errors in intensive care *http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Abstract/2005/08000/The_Critical_Care_Safety\ _Study__The_incidence_and.3.aspx " In a study by the FDA that evaluated reports of fatal medication errors from 1993 to 1998, the most common error involving medications was related to administration of an improper dose of medicine, accounting for 41% of fatal medication errors. Giving the wrong drug and using the wrong route of administration each accounted for 16% of the errors. Almost half of the fatal medication errors occurred in people over the age of 60. Older people may be at greatest risk for medication errors because they often take multiple prescription medications. " The Most Common Medication Errors http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55234 " To err is human " , but to err due to a purposeful decision NOT to prevent is inhumane! A decision NOT to study a specific topic that would prevent medication errors , such as pharmacology or simply the Trade and generic names of 200 drugs (when there are over 4000 on the market), is inhumane. That is my opinion only and these are MY WORDS. Except for the quoations with references all of this post as are all of my posts copyrightes. This in particular is Copyrighted by Jeanetta Mastron October 3, 2010 Thank you Asmarah for your question. I hope that you now see WHY you must study all that you can NOW before you become a technician. I have recommended the Techlectures study guide over the years because it has a great simple way of teaching math. It highlights the main laws. The overall approach is non-threatening to the student and in an easy to learn format. But I also recommend a second book from a different author, as I know most other books/study guides are in greater detail of other aspects of pharmacy which prepare the student to become a pharmacy technician. And of course I recommend asking questions and using the tutorials on this site for difficult to understand topics and to have someone to ask questions when you just don't get it. By the way I believe there is a site for Techlecture book owners to visit to ask questions of the author: Joe Medina. The book will have that site listed. Try http://www.techlectures.com/ To Err is Human 2000 http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/1999/To-Err-is-Human/To%20Err%20\ is%20Human%201999%20%20report%20brief.pdf Five Years After " To Err Is Human " : What Have We Learned?2005 " The single most important step, however, is to set and adhere to " strict, ambitious, quantitative, and well-tracked national goals, " say Leape and Berwick. They urge AHRQ to bring together organizations, including JCAHO, CMS, and the American Medical Association, to agree to a set of patient safety goals to be reached by 2010. The most important lesson of the past five years, the authors argue, is that " we will not become safe until we choose to become safe. " " http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Publications/In-the-Literature/2005/May/\ Five-Years-After--To-Err-Is-Human---What-Have-We-Learned.aspx http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/293/19/2384 Asmarah and ALL, I hope you will CHOOSE to become safe by choosing to embrace learning of as much as you can before you step foot in a pharmacy. But remember learning should never STOP! Respectfully, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Pharmacy Technician Educator Founder/Owner of this site Hi, I'm taking the national exam in 3 weeks. I've been studying with the Tech Lectures manual and Mosby's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam book. Of both books, Mosby's is very detailed and comprehensive. I've been using the Tech Lectures to guide me on what areas I should focus on, but I'm still a bit nervous about whether I am completely prepared or not, since I didn't go through a pharm tech program. Sometimes it seems like any question about anything related to pharmacy can be on the exam and I won't be ready to answer it! But realistically, you can't memorize everything right?! I've looked at the study materials on the group and it's helped, thanks! But, Jeanetta and for those who have taken the exam, I am worried most about how much detail I should focus on memorizing medications, their trade, generic, and classifications. Any advice would be appreciated. Looking forward to the help! Thank you! Asmarah Amin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 3, 2010 Report Share Posted October 3, 2010 Dear Asmarah Amin, No apology necessary! Where in CA are you? I am in CA as well,not far from Disneyland. Glad you have two good books to work from and using this site. Please feel free to ask more questions, not all of my answers to questions are as lengthy as the last one! Respectfully, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner > > > Hi, > > > > I'm taking the national exam in 3 weeks. I've been studying with the Tech > > Lectures manual and Mosby's Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam book. Of > > both books, Mosby's is very detailed and comprehensive. I've been using the > > Tech Lectures to guide me on what areas I should focus on, but I'm still a > > bit nervous about whether I am completely prepared or not, since I didn't go > > through a pharm tech program. Sometimes it seems like any question about > > anything related to pharmacy can be on the exam and I won't be ready to > > answer it! But realistically, you can't memorize everything right?! > > I've looked at the study materials on the group and it's helped, > > thanks! > > > > But, Jeanetta and for those who have taken the exam, I am worried most > > about how much detail I should focus on memorizing medications, their trade, > > generic, and classifications. > > > > Any advice would be appreciated. Looking forward to the help! > > > > Thank you! > > > > Asmarah Amin > > > > > > -- > " ...for what else is there for us in this world except to make a good > intention to work hard and to struggle and to prepare for our meeting with > Allah (SWT)? " > -Imam Zaid Shakir > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 4, 2010 Report Share Posted October 4, 2010 I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the learning process. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2010 Report Share Posted October 5, 2010 Since humans write books, CD's and Flash learning online, errors are inherrent to the process. Just as making an error on the job. But writers have editors and editors do try to find the problems before hand and they too are human. Likewise pharmacists try to find the error that a tech does not find or makes. But sometimes they can not. But we try and we put in systems to avoid those errors.  Studying to pass the PTCB exam is a system we put in place to prevent as many errors on the job as possible. I am glad that you are making good use of your time with good resources and finding ways to learn.  That is half the battle.  In my classroom students write summaries after lecture and also develop q and a to help study. Making tests empowers the learner, and the student begins to outsmart the test or the teacher who made the test! One learns to expect or HOW to expect what will be on the exam. Likewise asking your self questions NOT in the book or anticipating what should be asked is one way to study and to learn!  Bravo !  Respectfully, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Pharm Tech Educator F/O    From: <yoh765@...> Subject: Re: question Date: Monday, October 4, 2010, 2:42 PM I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the learning process. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2010 Report Share Posted October 6, 2010 I have a quick question maybe two. First, has anyone in the history of this group ever passed the ExCPT exam? I am a state licensed Pharmacy Technician, and I have been a member of this group for a while. I am currently studying for the PTCB test, but I found that having it and not having it can work against you on both ends-let me explain. I went to a interview for at a chain pharmacy for a full-time Pharmacy Technician position. I don't have my national certification, but have all the other crudentials. The first interview was just the basic one. They called me back for a second interview, and this interview was conducted by the Pharmacist. I thought everything went well. A week went by, and I didn't hear anything from them. I called the store back and talked to the store manager, and she advised me that she wanted to offer the position to me, but the pharmacist said no. Long story-long, the manager told me in the first interview, that they had a training program where after you complete it, they will pay for you to take your national certification test. After talking to the manager again, the pharmacist didn't want to hire me because I didn't have my national certification. The other question I wanted to know if the PTCB test is better to have or the ExCPT. The reason I ask is that within the last few days I found out the ExCPT is accepted in the state I live in. ________________________________ From: Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> Sent: Tue, October 5, 2010 6:26:20 AM Subject: Re: Re: question Since humans write books, CD's and Flash learning online, errors are inherrent to the process. Just as making an error on the job. But writers have editors and editors do try to find the problems before hand and they too are human. Likewise pharmacists try to find the error that a tech does not find or makes. But sometimes they can not. But we try and we put in systems to avoid those errors. Studying to pass the PTCB exam is a system we put in place to prevent as many errors on the job as possible. I am glad that you are making good use of your time with good resources and finding ways to learn. That is half the battle. In my classroom students write summaries after lecture and also develop q and a to help study. Making tests empowers the learner, and the student begins to outsmart the test or the teacher who made the test! One learns to expect or HOW to expect what will be on the exam. Likewise asking your self questions NOT in the book or anticipating what should be asked is one way to study and to learn! Bravo ! Respectfully, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Pharm Tech Educator F/O From: <yoh765@...> Subject: Re: question Date: Monday, October 4, 2010, 2:42 PM I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the learning process. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Dear Randall,  Sometimes the personnel or human resources dept do not know what the other hand is doing! If your STATE requires PTCB or ExCPT in order to be hired or employed as a tech or tech in training then you must be certified first. IF your employer requires it, but your state does not then you must have it. Now some employer personnell departments have not been updated on the newer state laws! that may mean your state has required or your pharmacy requires national certification, but non one has told that to the personnel department.  That being said you may have a rogue pharmacist who wants to do things his or her own way by hiring only certified techs even if the state or policy does not require it. While I may agree with this as a good policy, if the company does not adopt it the pharmacist has no right to require it. Requesting it is acceptable but he or she can not make it a condition of hire on his or her own, unless the pharmacist owns the pharmacy. However this does not stop it happening in practice! Why? because personnel can not hire someone that the pharmacist in charge does not okay (no matter the reason).  AS for PTCB vs ExCPT, many people (not my members) have successfully passed that exam! As for my members I recall only 1 who posted that he/she was studying for it and passed it. Most people on this site are studying for PTCB, BUT this site will help those studying for EITHER exam. All study guide books for PTCB will help those for ExCPT as well. 2 yrs ago the COURTS deemed these two exams as equivalent to allow the person who passes to use the initials of CPhT after their name.  STATES decide whether or not to require a national exam and CPhT to practice as a pharmacy technician. Oregon is one state that accepts EITHER exam. However, employers can specify which exam they prefer. That would be policy, unless the state says that they can not and that they must accept either.  Please let me/us know which state you are in to help you further.  Since PTCB has been around longer most pharmacists recognize it over ExCPT. However ExCPT is accepted by over 14 states (last count given to me LAST year by ExCPT representative and is probably higher than that now!!!!).  I hope this has helped you and that you will continue to ask your pertinent questions.  Respectfully,  Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner  From: <yoh765@...> Subject: Re: question Date: Monday, October 4, 2010, 2:42 PM I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the learning process. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Thank you for answering me back so soon. I have been a member of your site for quite a while, and I was trying to find out a little more information, thinking that there might be new changes that I wasn't aware of. As, I mentioned before I am trained by a board approved program, through the State of Indiana, and I currently hold my state license as to such. After doing some research on my own, I indeed find out that the Except exam is board approved in my state. Up until that I had never heard of the Excpt exam, and when I mentioned it to a Pharmacist here in Indiana, he acted like I had the plague and told me he had never heard of the Excpt test. Not only that, as you were mentioning of Oregon that will accept either, from the info that I just gathered in the last two weeks, Indiana will accept either as well. I asked about this because I did not have the money to pay for the National Certification or PTCB test, but I got a letter in the mail from the school they are paying for my national certification exam, which I found out is the ExCPT test. Thank you. ________________________________ From: Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> Sent: Thu, October 7, 2010 11:23:34 AM Subject: Re: Re: question Dear Randall, Sometimes the personnel or human resources dept do not know what the other hand is doing! If your STATE requires PTCB or ExCPT in order to be hired or employed as a tech or tech in training then you must be certified first. IF your employer requires it, but your state does not then you must have it. Now some employer personnell departments have not been updated on the newer state laws! that may mean your state has required or your pharmacy requires national certification, but non one has told that to the personnel department. That being said you may have a rogue pharmacist who wants to do things his or her own way by hiring only certified techs even if the state or policy does not require it. While I may agree with this as a good policy, if the company does not adopt it the pharmacist has no right to require it. Requesting it is acceptable but he or she can not make it a condition of hire on his or her own, unless the pharmacist owns the pharmacy. However this does not stop it happening in practice! Why? because personnel can not hire someone that the pharmacist in charge does not okay (no matter the reason). AS for PTCB vs ExCPT, many people (not my members) have successfully passed that exam! As for my members I recall only 1 who posted that he/she was studying for it and passed it. Most people on this site are studying for PTCB, BUT this site will help those studying for EITHER exam. All study guide books for PTCB will help those for ExCPT as well. 2 yrs ago the COURTS deemed these two exams as equivalent to allow the person who passes to use the initials of CPhT after their name. STATES decide whether or not to require a national exam and CPhT to practice as a pharmacy technician. Oregon is one state that accepts EITHER exam. However, employers can specify which exam they prefer. That would be policy, unless the state says that they can not and that they must accept either. Please let me/us know which state you are in to help you further. Since PTCB has been around longer most pharmacists recognize it over ExCPT. However ExCPT is accepted by over 14 states (last count given to me LAST year by ExCPT representative and is probably higher than that now!!!!). I hope this has helped you and that you will continue to ask your pertinent questions. Respectfully, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner From: <yoh765@...> Subject: Re: question Date: Monday, October 4, 2010, 2:42 PM I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the learning process. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Dear Randall, Thank you for getting back to me! I see that you have found the same things to be true as I stated/outlined. Once they pay for that exam, you WILL find that some pharmacists or pharmacies will not accept it. What you NEED to do is show proof to the pharmacists of the INDIANA law!!! IF they can show you proof of POLICY not be hired or they do not accept ExCPT then that will be a different story!!! But without that in writing they can not discriminate against you because you took ExCPT instead of PTCB. Your state says they accept both. As long as the employer does not have it in writing that they do not accept ExCPT you should be okay. I wish you well and I hope you will keep us posted on your job hunt after you take the exam and what pharmacists say and how you are treated. Thank you for your input and future posts on this topic, Respectfully, Jeaneetta Mastron CPhT BS Pharmacy Technician Educator/Director Founder/Owner > > From: <yoh765@...> > Subject: Re: question > > Date: Monday, October 4, 2010, 2:42 PM > > I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the interactive > CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never memorize > everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. Challenge > yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) on the disc > that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the learning > process. > > Good luck. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Thanks for the answer Jeanetta and your input . I also found some errors on Mosby's CD, it is a load of information that I'm enjoying studying. My nervousness and main concern comes from the fact that I did not go to a program to prepare for the PTCE because I didn't have the money or time at the moment, but I do have a Bachelor's degree in Biology. To answer your question, Jeannetta, currently, I am in Chicago and will be taking the PTCE here, however I live in Fullerton, which as you probably know is close to Disneyland (Anaheim)! I also volunteer at a private retail pharmacy in Anaheim and would like to further my career in Pharmacy. Thanks for all your help and the time you put in to answer our questions! Asmarah On Mon, Oct 4, 2010 at 4:42 PM, <yoh765@...> wrote: > > > I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the > interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never > memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. > Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) > on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the > learning process. > Good luck. > > > -- " ...for what else is there for us in this world except to make a good intention to work hard and to struggle and to prepare for our meeting with Allah (SWT)? " -Imam Zaid Shakir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 7, 2010 Report Share Posted October 7, 2010 Dear Asmarah, I am so very glad to meet you and perhaps when you get back to CA we can 'do' lunch! Please be sure your ID matches the name and address on your " ATT " letter when you take your exam in Chicago. Keep us posted on your progress. Do not worry about the math. To have a degree in Biology I am sure your math skills will be all you need to self study and more. MOST of the members of this site who have self studied did not have formal classes nor the degree you have or the many math classes you have had. Basic math is all that is needed. Tuorials on this site and study guide books will teach you all that is required in the math " department " . You will do well. Feel free to post any of your math questions. Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Pharm Tech Educator/Program Director Founder/Owner > > > > > > > I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the > > interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will never > > memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice it. > > Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I think) > > on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of the > > learning process. > > Good luck. > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 13, 2010 Report Share Posted October 13, 2010 Hi Jeanetta, Thanks for your support. It would definitely be nice to meet you and have lunch when I get back. I have a few questions regarding some laws since I've been reading a few different opinions through different sources. 1. How many times can a Schedule 3-5 prescription be transferred? Schedule 3-5 controlled substances, is there any difference? How many times can a Schedule II drug prescription be transferred? 2. All pharmacy records/prescriptions must be kept for 2 years *or* is it 5-7 years depending on state law? 3. DAW= dispense as written, do not substitute for generic/brand, whatever is written on the prescription must be dispensed, right? That was my understanding, but in Mosby's book, I'm reading DAW, DAW 1, 2, and 5 meaning different things. I researched this and couldn't find anything concrete so can you clarify this for me, please. Thank you for your time! Asmarah On Thu, Oct 7, 2010 at 6:05 PM, Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...> wrote: > > > Dear Asmarah, > > I am so very glad to meet you and perhaps when you get back to CA we can > 'do' lunch! > > Please be sure your ID matches the name and address on your " ATT " letter > when you take your exam in Chicago. > > Keep us posted on your progress. Do not worry about the math. To have a > degree in Biology I am sure your math skills will be all you need to self > study and more. MOST of the members of this site who have self studied did > not have formal classes nor the degree you have or the many math classes you > have had. Basic math is all that is needed. Tuorials on this site and study > guide books will teach you all that is required in the math " department " . > > You will do well. Feel free to post any of your math questions. > > Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS > Pharm Tech Educator/Program Director > Founder/Owner > > > > > > > > > > > > > I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the > > > interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will > never > > > memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice > it. > > > Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I > think) > > > on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of > the > > > learning process. > > > Good luck. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- " ...for what else is there for us in this world except to make a good intention to work hard and to struggle and to prepare for our meeting with Allah (SWT)? " -Imam Zaid Shakir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2010 Report Share Posted October 14, 2010 Dear Asmarah,  Your questions are not so easily answered by me. Most pharm tech books and programs will not teach this because it is considered the duty of a pharmacist. I call upon my resident pharmacists to take a look at this question.  But I will tell you that Remingtons 2006 edition  " Partial filling – Schedule III and IV Partial filling of prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedules III and IV is permitted if the pharmacist filing or refilling. The prescription sets forth the quantity dispensed and his initials on the back of the prescription. In addition, the partial fillings may not exceed the total amount authorized in the prescription and the dispensing of all refills must be within the 6-month limit. " And this: " Transfers – Rx for Schedule III, IV and V drugs may be transferred Between pharmacies for refill purposes. The transfer of originnal Rx’s Information for a controlled substance listed in Schedule III IV or V for the purpose of refill dispensing is permissible between differently owned pharmacies on a one time basis only. However pharmacies Electronically sharing a real-time, online database may transfer up  to the maximum refills permitted by law and the prescriber’s authorization. "  I hope I copied /typed them correctly.   I found the following which may help you as well:  " CAN PRESCRIPTIONS BE TRANSFERRED MORE THAN ONCE IN MINNESOTA? Prescriptions for non-controlled drugs can be transferred from one pharmacy to another indefinitely providing that refill authorizations do exist and the transfers are properly recorded. However, there are restrictions on controlled substances. Minnesota Rule 6800.3120 Subp. 2. states:  A pharmacy may transfer prescription information for the purpose of refilling a prescription if the information is communicated directly by one licensed pharmacist to another. Schedule II prescriptions may not be transferred. Schedules III-V prescriptions may only be transferred in accordance with the limitations placed on such transfers by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Federal regulation 21 CFR1306.25(a) permits multiple transfers of controlled substances, providing authorization exists, only for those pharmacies that share a real time on-line electronic database. Other pharmacies are limited to only one transfer under federal rules. "   In general: Refilling of a prescription: No Rx for CIII-IV medications shall be filled or refilled more than 6 months after the written date or refilled more than five times. Schedule V controlled substances may be refilled as authorized. CFR § 1306.22(a-  But the original Rx storage is a different story: Hard-copy printouts of the day’s controlled substance Rx orders and refills shall be verified, dated, and signed by the pharmacist who filled these orders. This document must be maintained in the pharmacy for three years from the dispensing date. CFR §1306.22(3)  Your question: 2. All pharmacy records/prescriptions must be kept for 2 years *or* is it 5-7 years depending on state law? The states can increase the time but not make it less than the required time for storage as stated by the Federal Law. Which ever is more stringent shall apply.  I will get back to you on DAW as I am in class off break now!  California has " Do not substitute " . I am not aware fo a 1,2, 3 or??? in CA. I have seen what you are speaking of in Mosby's book. I would have to research that.  Again one of the resident pharmacists may know and get back to us on the site before I do.  Thanks so much for your questions,  Respectfully,  Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner    > > > Dear Asmarah, > > I am so very glad to meet you and perhaps when you get back to CA we can > 'do' lunch! > > Please be sure your ID matches the name and address on your " ATT " letter > when you take your exam in Chicago. > > Keep us posted on your progress. Do not worry about the math. To have a > degree in Biology I am sure your math skills will be all you need to self > study and more. MOST of the members of this site who have self studied did > not have formal classes nor the degree you have or the many math classes you > have had. Basic math is all that is needed. Tuorials on this site and study > guide books will teach you all that is required in the math " department " . > > You will do well. Feel free to post any of your math questions. > > Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS > Pharm Tech Educator/Program Director > Founder/Owner > > > > > > > > > > > > > I, too, am studying for the exam using Mosby's Review book and the > > > interactive CD. It's quite a learning experience, I must say. I will > never > > > memorize everything; no one does; but I think the trick is to practice > it. > > > Challenge yourself and make up questions. I've found some errors (I > think) > > > on the disc that made me think about the answer. I guess that's part of > the > > > learning process. > > > Good luck. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- " ...for what else is there for us in this world except to make a good intention to work hard and to struggle and to prepare for our meeting with Allah (SWT)? " -Imam Zaid Shakir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2010 Report Share Posted November 1, 2010 Yes Natural Thyroid Hormones on (just like this group). My friend Janie owns it. Steph question Hi anyone know of any other group for thyroids as this is advance and is not what I need at this time , I need one like for beginners or even one for people with half thyroid Bobbi Bandit & Foxy Bonnie & Clyde Sylvett & Bella Brutus *AKA* Old Timer & n! bsp; And always remember TALK IS CHEAP TILL YA HIRE A LAWYER !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2010 Report Share Posted November 6, 2010 YES Kendruha, these types of questions should be on the exam. Technicians should be able to recognize which drugs should be given together and which ones should not be. By knowing drug interactions and usual drug combination regimens the technician can help to avoid medication errors. If you were taking the test right now and these thoughts ran through your mind before you answsered the question this is what you should do: Ask youself: 1. Which one do you (I) KNOW more details about? 2. WHICH one answer did you (I) actually READ about in association with each other? 3. Then THAT is your answer. In THIS case the answer is C loss of electrolyte Potassium =K+ On the test: Go by your knowledge first and second your gut instinct. AND Do not change answers. Notice you said 'from my understanding' that is what you KNOW. Diuretics are not associated with a loss of sugar they are however associated with a loss of electrolytes, specifically potassium. Hope this helps! Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner > > Hi Jeanetta > > I'm not sure what the answer to this question is: > > A major concern while using a diuretic on a patient is the drug's ability to: a. slow the heartbeat b. cause irreversible liver damage c. cause hypoglycemia d. cause hypokalemia > > > If this was on the test, I would have to guess " C " or " D " . I know that it has nothing to do with slowing the heartbeat or causing liver damage. > > I'm torn between hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. > > From my understanding, if we add a diuretic into our systems, we would lose water. Our body will try to compensate for the water loss by keeping the electrolytes/solutes (like potassium) inside our body - to try to keep our blood volume & blood pressure constant. > > Also, if our urinary system is working properly - for example, the filtration system - should not lose glucose. > > As you can see, I'm not too entirely sure what the correct answer is. I just understand different things but can't put two and two together. Please help! > > Thank you! > > - Kendra > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2010 Report Share Posted November 6, 2010 Thank you! & I think you meant " D " for hypokalemia... just in case anybody is reading your message So these type of questions, are not going to be on the test? But at least I know for future reference! - Kendra On Sat, Nov 6, 2010 at 11:42 AM, Jeanetta Mastron <rxjm2002@...>wrote: > > > YES Kendruha, these types of questions should be on the exam. Technicians > should be able to recognize which drugs should be given together and which > ones should not be. By knowing drug interactions and usual drug combination > regimens the technician can help to avoid medication errors. > > If you were taking the test right now and these thoughts ran through your > mind before you answsered the question this is what you should do: > > Ask youself: > 1. Which one do you (I) KNOW more details about? > 2. WHICH one answer did you (I) actually READ about in association with > each other? > 3. Then THAT is your answer. > In THIS case the answer is C loss of electrolyte Potassium =K+ > > On the test: Go by your knowledge first and second your gut instinct. AND > Do not change answers. > > Notice you said 'from my understanding' that is what you KNOW. > > Diuretics are not associated with a loss of sugar they are however > associated with a loss of electrolytes, specifically potassium. > > Hope this helps! > > Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS > Founder/Owner > > > > > > > Hi Jeanetta > > > > I'm not sure what the answer to this question is: > > > > A major concern while using a diuretic on a patient is the drug's ability > to: > a. slow the heartbeat > b. cause irreversible liver damage > c. cause hypoglycemia > d. cause hypokalemia > > > > > > If this was on the test, I would have to guess " C " or " D " . I know that it > has nothing to do with slowing the heartbeat or causing liver damage. > > > > I'm torn between hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. > > > > From my understanding, if we add a diuretic into our systems, we would > lose water. Our body will try to compensate for the water loss by keeping > the electrolytes/solutes (like potassium) inside our body - to try to keep > our blood volume & blood pressure constant. > > > > Also, if our urinary system is working properly - for example, the > filtration system - should not lose glucose. > > > > As you can see, I'm not too entirely sure what the correct answer is. I > just understand different things but can't put two and two together. Please > help! > > > > Thank you! > > > > - Kendra > > > > > -- Kendra Ednacot kendra.ednacot@... (619) 395-5784; AIM: kendruha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2010 Report Share Posted November 6, 2010 Oops! YEP I meant " C " for hypokalemia. Thank you Kendra. Jeanetta > > > > > > Hi Jeanetta > > > > > > I'm not sure what the answer to this question is: > > > > > > A major concern while using a diuretic on a patient is the drug's ability > > to: > > a. slow the heartbeat > > b. cause irreversible liver damage > > c. cause hypoglycemia > > d. cause hypokalemia > > > > > > > > > If this was on the test, I would have to guess " C " or " D " . I know that it > > has nothing to do with slowing the heartbeat or causing liver damage. > > > > > > I'm torn between hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. > > > > > > From my understanding, if we add a diuretic into our systems, we would > > lose water. Our body will try to compensate for the water loss by keeping > > the electrolytes/solutes (like potassium) inside our body - to try to keep > > our blood volume & blood pressure constant. > > > > > > Also, if our urinary system is working properly - for example, the > > filtration system - should not lose glucose. > > > > > > As you can see, I'm not too entirely sure what the correct answer is. I > > just understand different things but can't put two and two together. Please > > help! > > > > > > Thank you! > > > > > > - Kendra > > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > Kendra Ednacot > kendra.ednacot@... > (619) 395-5784; AIM: kendruha > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2010 Report Share Posted November 6, 2010 Dear All I am reprinting this with the Correct letter: D as the answer. Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner YES Kendruha, these types of questions should be on the exam. Technicians should be able to recognize which drugs should be given together and which ones should not be. By knowing drug interactions and usual drug combination regimens the technician can help to avoid medication errors. If you were taking the test right now and these thoughts ran through your mind before you answsered the question this is what you should do: Ask youself: 1. Which one do you (I) KNOW more details about? 2. WHICH one answer did you (I) actually READ about in association with each other? 3. Then THAT is your answer. In THIS case the answer is D. Hypokalemia = loss of electrolyte Potassium =K+ On the test: Go by your knowledge first and second your gut instinct. AND Do not change answers. Notice you said 'from my understanding' that is what you KNOW. Diuretics are not associated with a loss of sugar they are however associated with a loss of electrolytes, specifically potassium. Hope this helps! Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner > > > > > > Hi Jeanetta > > > > > > I'm not sure what the answer to this question is: > > > > > > A major concern while using a diuretic on a patient is the drug's ability > > to: > > a. slow the heartbeat > > b. cause irreversible liver damage > > c. cause hypoglycemia > > d. cause hypokalemia > > > > > > > > > If this was on the test, I would have to guess " C " or " D " . I know that it > > has nothing to do with slowing the heartbeat or causing liver damage. > > > > > > I'm torn between hypoglycemia and hypokalemia. > > > > > > From my understanding, if we add a diuretic into our systems, we would > > lose water. Our body will try to compensate for the water loss by keeping > > the electrolytes/solutes (like potassium) inside our body - to try to keep > > our blood volume & blood pressure constant. > > > > > > Also, if our urinary system is working properly - for example, the > > filtration system - should not lose glucose. > > > > > > As you can see, I'm not too entirely sure what the correct answer is. I > > just understand different things but can't put two and two together. Please > > help! > > > > > > Thank you! > > > > > > - Kendra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2010 Report Share Posted November 12, 2010 The general rule is a gdn is not liable for the ward's actions. An exception to that would be if the gdn failed to use reasonable judgment and by failing to do so, contributed to the harm. Some extreme cases which have led to a suit against a gdn (not always successful) was buying a ward a car when the gdn knew the ward has a history of drunk driving, letting the ward have access to a gun when the gdn knew of his propensity for violent outbursts, etc. As long as the gdn uses good common sense s/he should be free of suits. Having said that, no one can stop someone from suing you. It is just not likely the suit will be successful if filed. I assisted a family once whose son had inappropriate touching behaviors. He wasn't a dangerous predator. He just liked to touch people which sometimes was misinterpreted as a sexual advance. For years the parents/gdns had sought help from DHS for a behavior managment program and structured 24 hour residential placement so that the son would be closely monitored and less likely to get himself in trouble. When an incident did occur, the court responded in a more sensitive manner and ordered the state to provide services for the man. If a gdn knows a child has destructive or harmful tendencies, a gdn may want to advice the ward's case manager and request heightened supervision as an indication that the gdn was attempting to seek the help the ward needed but the state was failing to provide. Terrie Varnet ________________________________ From: Liz Youhana <eliz1156@...> IPADDUnite Sent: Thu, November 11, 2010 6:12:15 PM Subject: question Does anyone know if we are liable for our children's actions if they hurt someone and are sued? We are legal guardians for our son. He is 21 years old. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2010 Report Share Posted December 20, 2010 It is the weight you are the day you take your last dose. So if you take your last dose today, it's today's weight. Which is why it's called; LIW/LDW, Last injection Weight/Last Dose Weight. It's obviously best to take your last dose in the morning as that's the time of day you weigh yourself. Terri Randall Creature Comforts Sheridan, WY. www.GotPaws.net APS List Owner Question If my last day of Drops is today, do I use my weight tomorrow morning as my last weight or today?? Thanks ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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