Creating flowcharts and other visual representations is a great way to learn. It allows me to visualize relationships when reading just won’t suffice.
Tables are also helpful. You’ll notice patterns in tables that make it easy to memorize a bunch of things at once. See my chart on gram negative bacilli (curved) for an example.
I hope the charts in my High-Yield section give you some idea of what I mean. They helped me learn a lot of bacteriology. However, it’s always better to create your own charts because mine are pretty ugly and you’ll look at them and say, “hey this guy sucks – i’m going to punch him in the face when I see him.” Yeah…well please don’t.
It has been a little over 5 years since I graduated from the MT program. I failed at my first attempts taking the ASCP and I started to fear the thought of taking this test. There are so many notes and review books..I don’t think I should even look at my school notes any more. I took few years off from studying. Now, I am tired of being cornered because of not having the ASCP certification, paid less and disrespected. Your study strategy and comments on here is giving me hope to face and take this exam again. I will dedicate my time to studying using the suggested strategies and notes like my life depends on it. Pray for me ..
Thomas, the ASCP certification is certainly worth having if you want it. There is nothing to fear as long as you study to learn the material. After that, answering questions will be a breeze. But your life doesn’t depend on it – it’s just a test and just a piece of paper saying you’re certified to be paid a bit more. Good luck.
Hello, I would like to write an ASCP exam. How long it takes and how I get high yelled note and Labcs cards or the other books that you guys posted here?
I am really nervous from the idea that I have to study again. I finished my studing 10 years ago. I feel that I am not passing. Do I need to have work experience to pass this exam? Do I need to study like back years or to understand the idea from answering questions? Can I get examined in only one branch like heam or chimestry or do I have to have all of them? Sorry I have so many questions can someone help me?
I would like to say thank you for the Microbiology notes and charts. I wrote the AAB MT Generalist to satisfy the state of California. Also, Labce was helpful and Polansky Cards. I passed the exam!!
I took the ASCP for the second time this weekend and PASSED! Thank You for your site, your high yield notes in Microbiology definitely helped me answer a lot of the micro questions. Reading the recall questions, and taking multiple LabCe adaptive exams all seemed to do the trick this time. I really appreciate the time you took to create this site. Thank you again.
hi, congrats i just would like to ask for the procedure of reapplying i took the exam last 2009 and i failed and i a am plannning to take it again december this year….
thank you @sohail for this site (: appreciate it a lot
Hello! I’ve heard so much about your site. I think it’s great that you are helping and inspiring so many people. If only there were more people like you in the world.
It has been about 18 years since I graduated my MT program. I’ve taken the CA CLS exam many years ago and failed. It’s been so long since I’ve gone to school so my knowledge on any of the MT subjects is just about the same as someone who majored in English versus a science course.
In your honest opinion, if I focus on studying the Polansky cards and Robert Harr review books, do I have a chance to pass if I were to take the exam again? I know ASCP is different from CA LFS but I only qualify for the CA exam. Basically I just want to know if I have a chance at passing by studying your recommended books versus taking all the courses again.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
First, thank you for the kind words. It’s just a hobby for me. As you say, the CA CLS may be different from the ASCP exam. However, as with NY and many other states, I believe that passing the ASCP exam (or ASCPi exam or AABB general exam or AMT generalist exam) is a means for acquiring the state license. In that sense, acquiring the CA CLS license would entail passing the ASCP exam. Correct me if i’m wrong.
If you take the ASCP exam (or a similar exam) I believe that you can pass with just a few resources – absolutely. There isn’t a whole lot to know for some of these subjects but it’s a matter of DIGESTING the information that you do need to know. In that sense, the Polansky cards may not mean much if you’ve really forgotten a lot of the science. I would get the cards and/or the “Success” book by Ciulla for contextual explanations and to get some background on whatever is not clear on the cards. You’ll round that out by doing questions from the Harr book.
Use the micro charts and other high yield notes on this site.
I would also recommend doing lots of labce questions every single day.
Go for it. There’s no reason not to. It’s an eminently passable exam.
Thank you so much! I just bought the book and I’m excited to start studying. It’s perfect for me! Wish me luck! I’ll let you know how it goes.
xoxo! You are awesome!
Used your website to pass the MLT exam a couple of years ago and then used it again for review to pass the MLS this week. Thank you so much for taking the time to post these high yield notes for each subject! Super useful and definitely helped me out. Thanks again!
Hi,… I graduated with a BSC in Microbiology 3 years ago and i am about to take MLS exam in 2 weeks. The High yield notes really helped bcos i was reviewing things i had learnt. But all the materials available and high yield notes here are review materials, which is difficult to grasp bcos i am reviewing what i dont know. Is there any material i can use to actually study these subjects and review them with materials i have ?
Absolutely. So the high yield notes refer to real concepts that can be found in books like “Success” by Ciulla. This can be your one-stop reference shop for the exam.
I left this out because the topic does not qualify as high yield. There are few questions of such nature on the exam. The ones you will see will likely be logical. There is the matter of westgard rules and perhaps that falls under this topic. In that case, you’ve given me something to think about. I’ll try to address that as a standalone matter. Thank you Ricardo.
Hey all just passed my ASCP MLT exam (probably barely but hey…) and wanted to say that this webpage was a lifesaver. The thing that I notice missing is RBC morphology and inclusions. For whatever reason I got asked a bunch on them. Also know your blood products. So yeah, thanks alot and keep doing the good work. Happy Hollidays to all, and for those still in the weeds–keep studying and know that if you put in the work it will pay off!
Thanks!
Congrats! That’s excellent news! Yeah, I ought to get to that. If you come up with some inclusions when you’re working, send me some hi-def pics! Serious! Anyhow, excellent news and congratulations again!
I passed my exam on Saturday. Graduated from the program on the 4th. The high yield notes are very helpful. Study those with a passion. Also, the Polanski review cards and LSU’s Bottom line approach (purple and gold book) is a heaven sent. Have faith and study hard. It’s worth it in the end.
I just passed my exam this Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Just like the others, I focus on reviewing the major subjects. I encouraged everyone to study AUBF, Mycology, and Parasitology as these three really made up my whole exam. I only got few items on the major subjects. I don’t know if the computer notices that I didn’t review those three that’s why it keeps on throwing me questions from those subjects. For Blood Bank, Antibody Panels (I guess this is the one that saved me from failing), DAT & IAT, RhIG Dosage Computation and Enzyme Effects. I got a question about the amount of H antigen according to blood types. For Chemistry, Acid-Base, Globulins, Lipids, Electrolytes, Glucose and Endocrinology. I got a question about the 5HIAA. For Bacteriology, memorize the High Yield Notes here. But here is how I reviewed the Enterobacteriaceae:
And oh hey, don’t just study how to correctly identify them, study the diseases associated with them too. Don’t do what I did hahaha. As possible, make your OWN CHARTS.
For Hematology, Corrected WBC Count, ESR, Leukemia, PT, aPTT, TT, and Thalassemia. Like what type of hemoglobin is more abundant on Alpha Thalassemia and what lymphocyte (T or B cell) is affected more in ALL.
For AUB, Mycology, and Parasitology, I really can’t remember for I NEVER studied them, so the questions didn’t stick to my mind. Hahaha. Again, don’t do what I did. STUDY THOSE THREE!
Lastly,
PRAY before, after and every in-betweens.
BELIEVE THAT YOU’LL PASS, AND YOU SHALL PASS 🙂
Thank you for the fine review Marss. To readers of this website, this is the type of review I can allow to appear. Marss is pointing to specific topics that one ought to brush up on. Posting exact recalls from the actual exam wouldn’t be legal. Eventually, it would also lead to many folks getting a license without being qualified and this won’t help you in the long run, either. I do hope you understand. Please understand that following a formula of study is the only GUARANTEE of doing well and acquiring a passing grade and subsequent license.
wordsology 
I just passed my exam today! thank you so much for your notes! you are very awesome!
I humbly thank Sohail Amed for your Work.
Hey George – Thank you for checking out my site
It has been a little over 5 years since I graduated from the MT program. I failed at my first attempts taking the ASCP and I started to fear the thought of taking this test. There are so many notes and review books..I don’t think I should even look at my school notes any more. I took few years off from studying. Now, I am tired of being cornered because of not having the ASCP certification, paid less and disrespected. Your study strategy and comments on here is giving me hope to face and take this exam again. I will dedicate my time to studying using the suggested strategies and notes like my life depends on it. Pray for me ..
Thomas, the ASCP certification is certainly worth having if you want it. There is nothing to fear as long as you study to learn the material. After that, answering questions will be a breeze. But your life doesn’t depend on it – it’s just a test and just a piece of paper saying you’re certified to be paid a bit more. Good luck.
Good to have
Thank you! I’m glad I came across this website two weeks prior to my exam date because it did help me pass (today)!!!
Hello, I would like to write an ASCP exam. How long it takes and how I get high yelled note and Labcs cards or the other books that you guys posted here?
I am really nervous from the idea that I have to study again. I finished my studing 10 years ago. I feel that I am not passing. Do I need to have work experience to pass this exam? Do I need to study like back years or to understand the idea from answering questions? Can I get examined in only one branch like heam or chimestry or do I have to have all of them? Sorry I have so many questions can someone help me?
Thx for ur reply. Can u pls tell how can I navigate in ur blog.i don’t know where can I find ur charts. Is there is any fees that I have to pay?where?
i passed the exam:)) thank you so much for this site it really helps me a lot especially the flow charts in microbiology..
Do you have recalls in your exam ken
I would like to say thank you for the Microbiology notes and charts. I wrote the AAB MT Generalist to satisfy the state of California. Also, Labce was helpful and Polansky Cards. I passed the exam!!
Excellent news!
I’m looking for polansky cards were can I get it?
I took the ASCP for the second time this weekend and PASSED! Thank You for your site, your high yield notes in Microbiology definitely helped me answer a lot of the micro questions. Reading the recall questions, and taking multiple LabCe adaptive exams all seemed to do the trick this time. I really appreciate the time you took to create this site. Thank you again.
Excellent – I’m happy to hear the news! Keeping your head up and persistence paid off!
hi, congrats i just would like to ask for the procedure of reapplying i took the exam last 2009 and i failed and i a am plannning to take it again december this year….
thank you @sohail for this site (: appreciate it a lot
You would reapply through the ASCP
Hello! I’ve heard so much about your site. I think it’s great that you are helping and inspiring so many people. If only there were more people like you in the world.
It has been about 18 years since I graduated my MT program. I’ve taken the CA CLS exam many years ago and failed. It’s been so long since I’ve gone to school so my knowledge on any of the MT subjects is just about the same as someone who majored in English versus a science course.
In your honest opinion, if I focus on studying the Polansky cards and Robert Harr review books, do I have a chance to pass if I were to take the exam again? I know ASCP is different from CA LFS but I only qualify for the CA exam. Basically I just want to know if I have a chance at passing by studying your recommended books versus taking all the courses again.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
First, thank you for the kind words. It’s just a hobby for me. As you say, the CA CLS may be different from the ASCP exam. However, as with NY and many other states, I believe that passing the ASCP exam (or ASCPi exam or AABB general exam or AMT generalist exam) is a means for acquiring the state license. In that sense, acquiring the CA CLS license would entail passing the ASCP exam. Correct me if i’m wrong.
If you take the ASCP exam (or a similar exam) I believe that you can pass with just a few resources – absolutely. There isn’t a whole lot to know for some of these subjects but it’s a matter of DIGESTING the information that you do need to know. In that sense, the Polansky cards may not mean much if you’ve really forgotten a lot of the science. I would get the cards and/or the “Success” book by Ciulla for contextual explanations and to get some background on whatever is not clear on the cards. You’ll round that out by doing questions from the Harr book.
Use the micro charts and other high yield notes on this site.
I would also recommend doing lots of labce questions every single day.
Go for it. There’s no reason not to. It’s an eminently passable exam.
Thank you so much! I just bought the book and I’m excited to start studying. It’s perfect for me! Wish me luck! I’ll let you know how it goes.
xoxo! You are awesome!
Used your website to pass the MLT exam a couple of years ago and then used it again for review to pass the MLS this week. Thank you so much for taking the time to post these high yield notes for each subject! Super useful and definitely helped me out. Thanks again!
That’s wonderful news Michael! Congratulations. I’m really very happy to help and pleased to hear such outcomes. Great job!
Hi,… I graduated with a BSC in Microbiology 3 years ago and i am about to take MLS exam in 2 weeks. The High yield notes really helped bcos i was reviewing things i had learnt. But all the materials available and high yield notes here are review materials, which is difficult to grasp bcos i am reviewing what i dont know. Is there any material i can use to actually study these subjects and review them with materials i have ?
Absolutely. So the high yield notes refer to real concepts that can be found in books like “Success” by Ciulla. This can be your one-stop reference shop for the exam.
hello, no instrumentation / lab operations high yields? This is the hardest part of my study plan. Thank you in advance.
I left this out because the topic does not qualify as high yield. There are few questions of such nature on the exam. The ones you will see will likely be logical. There is the matter of westgard rules and perhaps that falls under this topic. In that case, you’ve given me something to think about. I’ll try to address that as a standalone matter. Thank you Ricardo.
A very helpful site.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hey all just passed my ASCP MLT exam (probably barely but hey…) and wanted to say that this webpage was a lifesaver. The thing that I notice missing is RBC morphology and inclusions. For whatever reason I got asked a bunch on them. Also know your blood products. So yeah, thanks alot and keep doing the good work. Happy Hollidays to all, and for those still in the weeds–keep studying and know that if you put in the work it will pay off!
Thanks!
Congrats! That’s excellent news! Yeah, I ought to get to that. If you come up with some inclusions when you’re working, send me some hi-def pics! Serious! Anyhow, excellent news and congratulations again!
I passed my exam on Saturday. Graduated from the program on the 4th. The high yield notes are very helpful. Study those with a passion. Also, the Polanski review cards and LSU’s Bottom line approach (purple and gold book) is a heaven sent. Have faith and study hard. It’s worth it in the end.
I just passed my exam this Tuesday, June 26, 2018. Just like the others, I focus on reviewing the major subjects. I encouraged everyone to study AUBF, Mycology, and Parasitology as these three really made up my whole exam. I only got few items on the major subjects. I don’t know if the computer notices that I didn’t review those three that’s why it keeps on throwing me questions from those subjects. For Blood Bank, Antibody Panels (I guess this is the one that saved me from failing), DAT & IAT, RhIG Dosage Computation and Enzyme Effects. I got a question about the amount of H antigen according to blood types. For Chemistry, Acid-Base, Globulins, Lipids, Electrolytes, Glucose and Endocrinology. I got a question about the 5HIAA. For Bacteriology, memorize the High Yield Notes here. But here is how I reviewed the Enterobacteriaceae:
Lactose Fermenter
• Escherichia (Indole Positive and Citrate Negative)
• Citrobacter
• Enterobacter (except E. taylorae)
• Klebsiella (Non-Motile)
Non-Lactose Fermenter
• Serratia (Methyl Red Negative)
• Shigella (Non-Motile)
• Salmonella
• Edwardsiella
• Yersinia
• Proteus
• Morganella
• Providencia
Phenylalanine Deaminase and Tryptophan Deaminase Positive
• Proteus (H2S Positive)
• Morganella (Citrate Negative)
• Providencia (Urease Negative except P. rettgeri)
Indole Positive
• Escherichia
• Klebsiella oxytoca and K. ornithinolytica
• Edwardsiella
• Proteus (except P. mirabilis and P. penneri)
• Morganella
• Providencia
H2S Positive
• Salmonella
• Proteus (Phenylalanine and Tryptophan Deaminase Positive)
• Edwardsiella (Indole Positive and Citrate Negative)
• Citrobacter freundii (Lactose Fermenter)
Voges-Proskauer Positive (therefore: Methyl Red Negative)
• Klebsiella (Non-Motile)
• Enterobacter (Ornithine Decarboxylase Positive)
• Serratia (Non-Lactose Fermenter)
Citrate Positive
• Citrobacter
• Enterobacter
• Klebsiella
• Serratia
• Salmonella (except S. typhi)
• Proteus
• Providencia
Urease Positive
• Klebsiella
• Yersinia
• Proteus
• Morganella
• Providencia rettgeri
Ornithine Decarboxylase Positive
• Enterobacter
• Morganella
• Yersinia enterolitica
Lysine Decarboxylase Positive
• Salmonella
And oh hey, don’t just study how to correctly identify them, study the diseases associated with them too. Don’t do what I did hahaha. As possible, make your OWN CHARTS.
For Hematology, Corrected WBC Count, ESR, Leukemia, PT, aPTT, TT, and Thalassemia. Like what type of hemoglobin is more abundant on Alpha Thalassemia and what lymphocyte (T or B cell) is affected more in ALL.
For AUB, Mycology, and Parasitology, I really can’t remember for I NEVER studied them, so the questions didn’t stick to my mind. Hahaha. Again, don’t do what I did. STUDY THOSE THREE!
Lastly,
PRAY before, after and every in-betweens.
BELIEVE THAT YOU’LL PASS, AND YOU SHALL PASS 🙂
Thank you for the fine review Marss. To readers of this website, this is the type of review I can allow to appear. Marss is pointing to specific topics that one ought to brush up on. Posting exact recalls from the actual exam wouldn’t be legal. Eventually, it would also lead to many folks getting a license without being qualified and this won’t help you in the long run, either. I do hope you understand. Please understand that following a formula of study is the only GUARANTEE of doing well and acquiring a passing grade and subsequent license.