Elsevier’s Medical Laboratory Science Examination Review

Book Preface

The Medical Laboratory Science Review is intended to serve as a review tool for candidates who are preparing to sit for certification or licensure examinations in Medical Laboratory Science. However, the integral nature of this review book provides a review for individuals seeking to strengthen knowledge in the topics related to the clinical laboratory. Therefore this text can provide a multipurpose
for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or categorical Technologist/Scientist (Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology) certification examinations sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification or for the American Medical Technologists (AMT)- supported certification examination. Additionally, this text will be helpful for those preparing for the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) certification examination, although the scope of some of the advanced topics are outside the required competencies for the MLT level. The outline format enhances learning and comprehension for each professional career entry track. Others who would benefit from using this review text to support their studies are those seeking advanced degrees, ASCP Specialist certification, Physician Assistant students, and Pathology Residents. Additional uses include serving as a reference book for students and educators, providing continuing education review and to refresh knowledge.

The book’s preface is followed by review materials encompassing all major areas of the laboratory, divided into 11 chapters. Each chapter includes a comprehensive bulleted summary of didactic information. The chapter summary outlines provide a thorough but efficient review
of key content information. Each chapter is followed by 30 to 100 multiple-choice questions. The questions include representation of the three question types (I, II, III) to enhance recall, interpretation, and problem-solving skills. Each question includes an explanation of the correct answer. The book’s final section is a comprehensive practice examination designed using the ASCP Board of Certification guidelines.

The chapters and examination questions were written by Medical Laboratory educators and clinical experts, all of whom are recognized for expertise in their respective area of practice. All chapters and multiple-choice questions underwent a peer-review process as the content was developed.

The companion website—Evolve to accompany Medical Laboratory Science Review—was developed to enhance each candidate’s preparation process by providing additional review materials. Students often benefit from a variety of study approaches when preparing for certification or licensure examinations. The Evolve website was created with that in mind and includes printable study worksheets and additional review materials. Students are able to generate individualized study files from these materials. The website also includes 1000 additional multiple-choice questions that are different from those in the book. From these materials, students can create additional practice examinations focusing on the content area of their choice.

EXAMINATION PREPARATION

Preparation for certification and licensure examinations is sometimes a daunting and intimidating process. We encourage students to recognize the time and effort placed in successfully completing their respective educational programs and the knowledge gained while doing so. Preparing for the examination then becomes a structured plan that provides for a review of the knowledge gained.

Shortly before program completion, thoroughly review the ASCP Board of Certification website. Be sure to review the requirements that must be met to sit for the examination, along with the recommended dates to submit the application.We encourage students to sit for the examination within 6 months of program completion. Students who wait longer tend to have a more difficult time reviewing and preparing for the examination. On the website, you will also find content outlines and a distribution of the content areas that will aid in your planning. Details are included about the cost, length, and structure of the examination. Review the examination preparation guide.
• Complete a practice examination or set of review questions. Record your answers on a separate piece of paper so that you can continue to practice with the same questions.
â—‹ After reviewing missed questions,make a list of the specific content areas that were missed (e.g., anemias, streptococci, liver enzymes) and then design a study schedule using a calendar that allows more time to review the more challenging areas.
â—‹ Plan 1 to 2 weeks for a thorough review of each content area.
• Create mini study guides for your more challenging or weaker areas. The study guides should include the following:
â—‹ Graphical representations of a disease or process
â—‹ Concise charts or tables
â—‹ A brief paragraph explaining the topic or question or a short outline

Preparing the guides is an active learning exercise that will help in reviewing the specific content and in maintaining focus on weaker topics. It is human nature to gravitate toward favorite topics, but it is also necessary to focus on the areas that are more challenging. Compile the study guides in a binder organized by content area. The guides will be great tools to review the week before the actual examination When studying the review questions or old examinations:
• Provide a rationale as to why you can rule out incorrect answers and rule in correct ones.
• Pay attention to small details that will help rule out a wrong answer.
• Writing your rationales out in sentence form is another great review tool.
• Create your own question rationales.

Practice, practice, practice! It is always helpful to address questions you previously reviewed. Use the questions in this text and those from the online companion site. The day of the examination . . . breathe deeply! If you are not sure of the location of the testing center, take a test drive to the center a week before the examination. Have a scheduled plan for the day. Be well rested and be sure to eat a good meal before arriving at the testing center. If you have prepared, your efforts will be evident in your success!

NOTE: Although it is this book’s intent to properly prepare readers for their certification examination, use of this book alone does not guarantee passage of certification or licensure examinations.