I took the mls exam earlier today and my preliminary report showed 'failed'. I graduated a year ago from the philippines, i studied a straight six months went through three reviewers including the ascp boc study guide and also the labce online practice exams. I do admit that maybe i overstudied and completely blanked out earlier. I am also a very nervous person, i had a very stressful couple of months while studying. I will definitely retake the ex as soon as possible, tho this time. I plan on fewer study hours a day. Dont want to overwhelm myself again.

• Medical Laboratory Technology Study Guide

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) occupy a relatively new niche in the medical profession. This career path originally came about in the 1920s with the advent of more advanced technology in diagnosing and preventing diseases.

Hopefully the next time around i wont be as nervous at all. But i amconfident in my abilities, i guess it was the nerves. TFarnon in Sparks, Nevada said: I finished my CLS program in May 2010, and didn't sit for the exam until today. I passed the exam. I don't think I would have done much better had I take the exam days after finishing my program, but I also don't think I would have done worse.

I did see some questions which were straight from the BOC book (maybe 5 to 10 out of 100). I also bought the online practice exam package from ASCP and the labce.com online practice exam package. I started sort of studying in January of this year when I got laid off, but I didn't spend more than an hour a night studying or taking practice tests. I used the practice tests to determine where I thought I was weakest, and then would go look up stuff (online) on the subjects I had missed questions on.

I thought that the BOC book, and both practice exam packages were helpful to refresh my memory. There were also questions on the exam that drew on my non-CLS experience.

I had bachelor's degrees in and plus nine years' experience in a university medical research doing molecular biology before I entered the CLS program. I couldn't have answered some of the questions without that knowledge. There were a fair number of questions on material I know we didn't cover in my CLS program, maybe 5 to 10 questions out of 100.

And if I hadn't done a good in my program? I would have been sunk. Overall, though, I simply had to take a deep breath and think my way through the less-familiar questions. I guess this is what another MT/CLS/MLS was trying to say when she emphasized having an adequate science background.

If you can take what you know from all sources, rearrange it and put it together to find a sensible answer, you can pass the test. I don't know my score yet, and to be honest I don't care. What I care about is that I passed. Congratulations on passing.

Is it possible to work in Nevada having only CLS certificate? In addition to passing the exam, you have to have the (certificate or degree) and/or MLT plus 1 year training in order to be licensed by the state. If you 'only' have the CLS certificate plus a bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., biochemistry or, you may have to call and speak to the people in the state licensing agency directly to clarify that your certificate (assuming the program was long enough) is the relevant training as required by statute. I don't know what the situation is for non-US certificates or degrees.

Hi, I graduated in August of 2009 and went directly into Graduate school for a masters program in another clinical field. I did work one year as an MT as board eligible right after graduation in 2009 and then moved on to clinical rotations for my new career. Well years went by until I decided to get certified for a number of reasons. One was for a fall back career and another was so that I legally can do ABGs in the operating room at a moments notice.

I first started this endeavor of studying 6 months ago the feeling of having to climb a mountain. Honestly, it was enjoyable to review science post school years. I failed the first test by 4 points 396 with a weakness in Micro (poopy) and laboratory operations.

I studied harder on those subjects. Took the test again and failed by 6 points with my strong points in Micro and laboratory science and my new weak points in Blood and Micro.

I decided to do more broad studying and try not to focus too much on details. I took the exam today and I passed. I don't know my score yet. Also, I spent as much time as possible for 2.5 months to learn the basics (Alberts) through all the sophisticated techniques (Buckingham, Tsongalis) for the MB exam. You really have to know everything, as some of the questions ask about specific viral strains, for example which of 4 HPV strains leads to ovarian cancer, and which strain of HCV is easiest to treat and which most difficult. Also, the number or triplet repeats that determine Fragile X syndrome and Huntington Disease and which technique you would use to quantify the repeats: Southern, PCR, dideoxy-sequencing, etc.

The latest edition of Thompson and Thompson Medical Genetics is helpful in the sense that it has about 43 case studies of various diseases, in addition to other didactic material. Spending too much time with it, however, leads you too far astray. Melech19 in Lebanon, New Hampshire said: Also, I spent as much time as possible for 2.5 months to learn the basics (Alberts) through all the sophisticated techniques (Buckingham, Tsongalis) for the MB exam.

You really have to know everything, as some of the questions ask about specific viral strains, for example which of 4 HPV strains leads to ovarian cancer, and which strain of HCV is easiest to treat and which most difficult. Also, the number or triplet repeats that determine Fragile X syndrome and Huntington Disease and which technique you would use to quantify the repeats: Southern, PCR, dideoxy-sequencing, etc. The latest edition of Thompson and Thompson Medical Genetics is helpful in the sense that it has about 43 case studies of various diseases, in addition to other didactic material. Spending too much time with it, however, leads you too far astray. Thanks for this great information!!! I would like to take the mb(ascp) but have never worked in it, I am a MT(ASCP) so it will purely be book study- I have all the references you suggest (my employer has them for me to borrow) any other suggestions?

Would appreciate any other tips you have/used to help you? It seems so overwhelming to study for this? Thanks and congrats on passing your mb(ascp)!!! The only reason I took the exam was to make a transition from basic research to a clinical molecular diagnostics. I have a Ph.D.

In pharmacology and have worked 28 years in an academic molecular setting, but still had to use route 3 in order to apply for the MB exam. Also, much to my surprise, my basic science knowledge provided at most about 25-30% of what I needed to pass this exam. Many of the PCR- and hybridization-based assays, as well as the licensure-related procedures, I had never heard of. In any, my research career is over due to funding issues, and I have not heard from the molecular diagnostics places to which I have applied. Again, if you know Buckingham inside and out, I think you should pass the exam. Also know your DNA polymerases (not covered in detail in Buckingham)!

They ask several questions about the functions of DNA polymerases alpha through epsilon, designations I had never learned. They show you a picture of a replicating piece of double-stranded DNA and ask you which polymerase is priming, extending, proof-reading, whether on the leading or the lagging strand. Also, know the polymerase that replicates mitochondrial DNA, and be thoroughly familiar with mitochondrial gene, itself. Regarding diseases, know the location of nt and aa mutations for the common ones like Leiden V and Hb in sickle cell, and how you would determine the number of triplet repeats in Huntington, Fragile X.

Also, know the cut-off number of repeats that are necessary to consider these genes pathological. Know parentage/paternity graphs. Whatever you don't think you understand, refer to Alberts. In fact, I would suggest you read the related chapters in Alberts to get a good grounding and to allow the other books to make sense to you. As they suggest, don't cram at the last minute. Allow yourself the full 3 months to study several hours a day so that the material becomes second hand to you.

Be rested on exam day! Benny in Lancaster, California said: I am a foreign medical doctor and i want to get certified/licensed for MLT In California.pls can someone tell me what to do.I graduated from medical in 2003 and worked as a physician before relocating to join my family in the U.S.I have taken my medical board,passed it but getting into the residency program is so difficult.Am looking into this MLT to see if i can get it and get a job with it while applying for my residency program which comes ones every yr. What was your pre-med? Getting into residency now these days is not a good idea after all the medical issues we have right now and especally the obama. Unless you plan to go to a specialty but if you will go to family practice or simply IM without specialization, you will not make as much money as a Nurse or a CLS. Plus the stress and responsibilities that you have to worry about is not really advisable. Anyway, call field services or check the website for eligibility.

You should be eligible to take at least a CLT licensure unless your Bachelors is from UK which has a totally different educational system than here in US but other than that, you should be fine. It should be a piece of cake for you since you are an MD.

Only 100 one to two liner questions. Answers are straight forward with a little bit of medical scenario which makes it harder for others but easier for you. Exams here are not that difficult. Just don't put too much pressure on yourself and you will be fine.

Astar13 in Fargo, North Dakota said: Hi, I graduated in August of 2009 and went directly into Graduate school for a masters program in another clinical field. I did work one year as an MT as board eligible right after graduation in 2009 and then moved on to clinical rotations for my new career. Well years went by until I decided to get certified for a number of reasons. One was for a fall back career and another was so that I legally can do ABGs in the operating room at a moments notice.

I first started this endeavor of studying 6 months ago the feeling of having to climb a mountain. Honestly, it was enjoyable to review science post school years. I failed the first test by 4 points 396 with a weakness in Micro (poopy) and laboratory operations. I studied harder on those subjects. Took the test again and failed by 6 points with my strong points in Micro and laboratory science and my new weak points in Blood and Micro. I decided to do more broad studying and try not to focus too much on details.

I took the exam today and I passed. I don't know my score yet. Hi, just wondering, did u take cls-ascp exam? And do you have to wait 1 year to take the exam after the second fail? Please respond because i read somewhere that if u fail the second time, you have to wait for a year to take the third time. Cp0830 in Columbus, Ohio said: I was wondering if any of you have taken the ASCP the total of 5 times and failed every single time? My friend back home in CA just took it for the 5th time and failed it.

She is devestated and doesn't know what to do? Every time she has taken it, she only failed with in 10-15 points. Any suggestions on what she can to next to take it again?

There is a limit on how many times are allowed for all board certifications. There is a reason for this, patient safety and quality. Just as no one would want a MD who could not pass their boards a MT-MLS who has repeatedly failed (5 times by your email) has some significant deficiencies and will not be allowed to take the certification again. Furthermore the exam will let the person know where the weekeness are so you can focus on that, repeated failures demonstrates that the knowledge is just not understood.

Your friend will not be able to be a MLS(ASCP) at this point there are no appeals, no remedies. Cp0830 in Columbus, Ohio said: I was wondering if any of you have taken the ASCP the total of 5 times and failed every single time?

Medical Laboratory Technology Study Guide

My friend back home in CA just took it for the 5th time and failed it. She is devestated and doesn't know what to do?

Every time she has taken it, she only failed with in 10-15 points. Any suggestions on what she can to next to take it again? ASCP/AMT/AAB are all pretty easy exams. I know cause I am certified in all of these exams. Why I took it? Just to compare how hard the exam is from one another and also to check my theoretical compentency in the field. Im sure she understands all the aspects of the exam.

I think that she was just nervous and also traumatized by her previous failures. My advice is just take it easy. Go to a review class just to build her confidence and to have a study partner although it might not be advisable for others, but I really think it will help her. Get online practice exams and time herself while doing it(very important!). Do it over and over. Study atleast 3 to 4 hours X 6 days and 1 day off every week for a month to 1 1/2 months. This will build up her speed in reading and answering questions.

Focus on her weak points based on the practice exams and previous exam results. Read only(1)review book.

DO NOT overthink during exams cause majority of the questions are direct to the point. Im sure she will be fine. I disagree with the previous email.

This job is pretty easy and majority of the time, it is automated. You need to use critical thinking sometimes but those things will be pretty obvious and she will develop that as well. I Hope she pass the exam cause we really need alot of CLS here in CA. Starting pay here for reference without experience is $35 and $38 in the. With experience she can make as much as 55 or more depending on experience and category e.g. I, II, or III.

If you have any more questions, just email and tell her not to lose hope. Benny in Lancaster, California said: I am a foreign medical doctor and i want to get certified/licensed for MLT In California.pls can someone tell me what to do.I graduated from medical in 2003 and worked as a physician before relocating to join my family in the U.S.I have taken my medical board,passed it but getting into the residency program is so difficult.Am looking into this MLT to see if i can get it and get a job with it while applying for my residency program which comes ones every yr. Hi, I'm also a foreign trained doctor,thinking to get mlt license.did you get into any program? If you want ot pass the exam without spending additional 200$ for ACSP 10.10 you can download iLearn: Advance ACSP application on your iPhone/iPad this help me a lot to pass the exam with 90%. To study and understand Mac you need to answer all questions read the answer and explanation and also TEST ON YOUR MAC, so with experiment with your Mac you will learn how it will be in real environment. It help me pass the exam and learn some new thing.

To pass the exam you need 73% correct answers Good luck I hope this help you. Joseph in Tacoma, Washington said: I recently took the MT exam and passed it.

I was lucky to find some online resources and I spent over a year studying for the exam. I found a lot of good books and study sites. One site I was thankful to find. It is called Medical Academy.com. They have blog articles, study tips and a 100 question practice exam. I was really helpful and it was one of the reasons I passed the exam on my first time.

Please can I borrow your reviewer in ascp.heres my email add marilycalimlimcorpuz@yahoo.com.thanks. Joseph in Tacoma, Washington said: I recently took the MT exam and passed it. I was lucky to find some online resources and I spent over a year studying for the exam. I found a lot of good books and study sites. One site I was thankful to find. It is called Medical Academy.com. They have blog articles, study tips and a 100 question practice exam.

I was really helpful and it was one of the reasons I passed the exam on my first time. Please can I borrow your reviewer in ascp.heres my email add marilycalimlimcorpuz@yahoo.com.thanks. Ahmed in Amherst, Massachusetts said: did any one use passascp.org to get prepared for ASCPi(MLS)?????? This site state around 121 question will help you to pass the exam!!!!! I am not sure what the differences are between ASCPi and ASCP, I dont think there is any. I know it helped me pass, I had about 25-35 questions from there. Remember, all you need is 400 points and each worth at least 10 points.

So even if you get 25 correct all you need is to answer another 15 out of 75 questions and that's pretty good odds! Jennifermls in Chicago, Illinois said: I am not sure what the differences are between ASCPi and ASCP, I dont think there is any. I know it helped me pass, I had about 25-35 questions from there. Remember, all you need is 400 points and each worth at least 10 points. So even if you get 25 correct all you need is to answer another 15 out of 75 questions and that's pretty good odds! Thanks Jennifermls,ASCPi is the ASCP, as you said there is now no difference between them, do you suggest any books for MLS-ASCP study or any recalls??? Did you use Labce site ($70) for training or ASCP online exam($35 each).

I already bought passascp.org question and my exam will be after 6 or 7 weeks, do this site change the questions with the time???? I mean should I buy again before the exam. I will write my feed back about this site after i take the exam on December 2016. Ahmed in Amherst, Massachusetts said: Thanks Jennifermls,ASCPi is the ASCP, as you said there is now no difference between them, do you suggest any books for MLS-ASCP study or any recalls???

Did you use Labce site ($70) for training or ASCP online exam($35 each). I already bought passascp.org question and my exam will be after 6 or 7 weeks, do this site change the questions with the time???? I mean should I buy again before the exam.

I will write my feed back about this site after i take the exam on December 2016 Hi Ahmed, yes I used medialab which is the same thing as labce. I don't think the questions at passascp.org change, but it seems they are adding to it.

When I first bought it there were 121 questions and last time I checked it's 128. As for recalls, I remember the Hgb question and lipemia and I had one or two questions on ubrobilinogen, when it's positive and negative in urine. Even tho this was in passascp.org I still had difficulty figuring out, so try to understand bilirubin cycle in liver, kidneys and intestine very well. Another one I remember that I had two questions on were the ABO discrepancies, try to understand those as well. Again, take the test as soon as you can after school (if you are in school now) and good luck!