MLS ASCP Study Reading List: An Overview and The Best All-in One Alternative
The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Board of Certification (BOC) grants Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), sometimes referred to as medical technologist (MT) or clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) certification, to opt medical professionals in medical laboratory science.
To become MLS ASCP certified, the BOC is going to test your skills and knowledge in hematology, microbiology, chemistry, immunology, blood bank, urinalysis, and laboratory operations.
In order to study for the MLS ASCP certification exam, the BOC is recommending specific study materials for each for the mentioned subjects called the ML ASCP exam reading list to start your preparation.
MLS ASCP Reading List, What is it?
It’s set of study resources recommended by the ASCP BOC for MLS ASCP and MLS ASCPi exams.
There a specific set of study resources for each of the examination areas including chemistry, blood bank, microbiology, hematology, immunology & serology, urinalysis, and body fluids.
MLS ASCP exam comprises 100 questions within medical laboratory science and it has different percentages of questions from these areas of content.
Chemistry Reading List For MLS(ASCP) and MLS(ASCPi)
Chemistry encompasses Carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids, Proteins, and Other Nitrogen-Containing Compounds, heme derivatives, acid-base determinations (including blood gasses), electrolytes, endocrinology, nutrition, vitamins, therapeutic drug, toxicology, and monitoring. This area of content covers 17-22% of the overall exam.
Resources for Chemistry that are recommended by BOC
Textbooks
- Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations, Ninth Edition
- Price of Kindle: $90.97
- Pages of text: 736
- Price of Paperback: $68.99-$74.20
2. Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics 8th Edition
- eTextbook price:$27.14-$89.79
- Hardcover price:$96.66-$132.99
- Paperback price:$47.00
- Page of this textbook:1088 page
Online Resources
Microbiology Study Reading List for MLS ASCP/ASCPi
This list includes Parasitology, Preanalytic procedures; analytic procedures for bacteriology; analytic procedures for mycobacteriology, and mycology; post-analytic procedures, and virology.It also covers 17-22% of exam questions.
Resources for Microbiology that are recommended by BOC
Textbooks
- Color Atlas of Medical Bacteriology (ASM Books) 3rd Edition
- eText book price:$165.00
- Hardcover Price: $131.05
- Page of this text: 464
2. Diagnostic Medical Parasitology (ASM Books) Sixth Edition
- Kindle price:$182.00
- Hardcover Price: $104.42-$121.94
- Pages of book:1388
3. GRAM STAIN BENCHTOP REFERENCE GUIDE – GSBRG
- Member and Non-member price:$89.00
- Content( PDF, 134 KB)
- Sample pages(PDF, 1.5 MB)
- Spiral bound; 100 pages; 115 pages+ images and tables
4. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook (3 Volume Set) (ASM Books) 4th Edition
- Price of Hardcover: $270.51-$288.95
- Pages of book: 2954
5. COLOR ATLAS OF MYCOLOGY Hardcover – January 1, 2018
- Hardcover price:$289.00
6. Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology 6th Edition
- Kindle Price: $27.89-$87.19
- Hardcover: $87.99
7. Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice (ASM Books) 3rd Edition
- eTextbook price:$165.00
- Hardcover Price: $110.71-$205.95
- Print length:836 page
8. Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology 15th Edition
- etextbook:$28.66-$89.59
- Hardcover: $83.76.$97.21
- Print length:1184 page
9. Koneman’s Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology 7th Edition
- Kindle Price: $98.12
- Hardcover Price: $105.00
- Paperback price: $120.37
- Print length: 1830 page
10. PARASITOLOGY BENCHTOP REFERENCE GUIDE – PBRG
- Member and non-member price: $89.00
- Content( PDF, 91K)
- Sample pages(PDF, 251K)
Online Resources
- ClinMicroNow- American Society of Microbiology(ASM)
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) publications
- DPDx-CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria
Hematology Reading List For MLS(ASCP) and MLS(ASCPi)
Hematology containsHemostasis (including laboratory determinations, disease states, and physiology), laboratory testing, disease states, and Physiology.17-22% of MLS ASCP exam questions out of 100 come from Hematology.
Textbooks
- Rodak’s Hematology 6th Edition
- eTextbook Price: $28.15-$87.99
- Hardcover Price: $86.29-$109.83
- Print length: 904 pages
2. Clinical Laboratory Hematology (4th Edition)
- Print length:1264 pages
Online Resources
- CellaVision CellAtlas-Blood Cell Morphology Guide
- Bloodline Image Atlas (HematologyImages)
- Hematology Outlines- Online Textbook & Atlas
- The Fritsma Factor
Blood Bank Study Reading List for MLS ASCP/ ASCPi
comprises blood group systems, serologic and molecular testing, blood group immunology, pathophysiology, physiology, transfusion practice, and Blood products. Blood banking also covers 17 to 22 percent of exam questions.
Textbooks
- STANDARDS FOR BLOOD BANKS AND TRANSFUSION SERVICES ( 33rd Edition)
- List Price: $288.00
- Member Price: $198.00
2. Modern Blood Banking & Transfusion Practices Seventh Edition
- Kindle Price: $89.20
- Hardcover Price: $88.63
- Print length: 688 pages
OnlineResources
- AABB
- Blood Bank Guy-Transfusion Medicine Education
- Indian Immunohematology Initiative
- Transfusion Medicine Questions
Immunology Reading List For MLS(ASCP) and MLS(ASCPi)
Inlcudes infectious disease serology, Principles of immunology, transplantation, immune system illness, test results, and serologic procedures. It covers the 5- 10% content area of exam questions.
Resources for Immunology that are recommended by BOC
Textbooks
- Clinical Immunology and Serology A Laboratory Perspective Fifth Edition
- eTextbook Price: $83.96
- Paperback price: $104.96
- Print length: 248 pages
2. Immunology & Serology in Laboratory Medicine 7th Edition
- eTextbook Price: $17.66-$55.19
- Paperback price: $57.70-$66.29
- Print length: 584 pages
Urinalysis Reading List For MLS ASCP/ ASCPi
The list composes microscopic analysis, Physical and chemical testing, disease states, and physiology. Urinalysis and Other Body Fluids cover the 5-10% question out of 100, the same as Immunology.
Resources for Urinalysis and Body Fluids that are recommended by BOC
Textbooks
- Urinalysis and Body Fluids Seventh Edition
- eTextbook Price: $63.19
- Paperback price: $82.95
- Print length: 432 pages
2. Fundamentals of Urine and Body Fluid Analysis, 5th Edition
- Book price: $79.99
- Vital source ebook price:$63.99
- Page count: 464
3. Kjeldsberg’s Body Fluid Analysis
- List price: $290.00
- Member price: $159.00
- Print length: 240 pages, 375+images
4. Graff’s Textbook of Urinalysis and Body Fluids 3rd Edition
- eTextbook Price: $56.52
- Paperback price: $53.26-$60.99
- Print length: 318 pages
Laboratory Operations Reading List For MLS(ASCP) and MLS(ASCPi)
This list consists of education principles, basic management, Principles, laboratory mathematics, manual/automated methodology, instrumentation, safety, and Quality assessment/troubleshooting. Laboratory Operations covers the 5-10% question in MLS exams.
Textbooks
- Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods 24th Edition
- eTextbook Price: $126.99
- Hardcover Price: $112.49
- Print length: 1618 pages
2. Fundamental Laboratory Mathematics: Required Calculations for the Medical Laboratory Professional First Edition
- Kindle Price: $50.36
- Paperback: $76.55
- Print length: 352 pages
3. Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods, and Clinical Applications Third Edition
- Price of paperback: $59.72-$67.69
- Print length: 576 pages
4. Clinical Laboratory Science: Concepts, Procedures, and Clinical Applications 9th Edition
- Kindle Price: $68.79
- Paperback price: $91.70
- Print length: 704 pages
5. Mathematics for the Clinical Laboratory 4th Edition
- eTextbook Price: $16.37-$51.19
- Paperback price: $64.92
- Print length: 432 pages
6. Laboratory Safety: A Self-Assessment Workbook 2nd Edition
- List price: $139.00
- Member price: $109.00
- Print length: 304 pages
Online Journal Study Resources for MLS ASCP Exam
BOC recommended the following journal for the medical laboratory scientist certification exam.
- Clinical Laboratory Science: Published by American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
- Laboratory Medicine: Published by Oxford University Press.
- Medical Laboratory Observer: Published by Endeavor Business Media, LLC.
MLSIA Study Guide For MLS ASCP/ ASCPi Certification
Using years of experience in education, MLSIA stuff members are formulated an all-in-one conclusive study material for MLS ASCP/ ASCPi exam as a part of the MLS ASCP Exam Prep Bundle.
The MLSIA Study Guide Premium Edition by MLSi ACADMY for the ASCP exam has the following amazing advantages:
Conclusive
The MLS ASCP exam has a wide range of topics for this exam such as immunology, clinical chemistry, blood bank, hematology, microbiology, and urine & body fluids. MLSIA study material is conclusive that covers all of these content areas. Candidates can get all content for the exam by choosing our conclusive learning material.
Comprehensive
Learning material must be comprehensive. Because many courses offer extensive information about this exam, this ample information confuses candidates and they are unable to learn this vast syllabus.
MLSIA study material is comprehensive that offers essential detail and clear concept about the exam and candidates can digest it easily.
All-in-One Option
MLSIA study material offers all the necessary information on one platform. Candidates can save time, money, and effort in purchasing and searching for other resources for exam preparation by choosing our All-in-one option.
Affordable
BOC reading list can be out of reach of candidates. But the MLSIA all-in-one study material can help to address the best and budget-conscious choice. Therefore, candidates can get informative knowledge for exams from our affordable study material.
Easy to Understand
MLSIA study material for ML ASCP exam is easy to understand. Its Images, diagrams, drawings, and other sources of information are straightforward that can clear the readers’ confusion.
Flexible format
Our Study material has flexible format (pdf and video) that permits candidates to cover maximum and effective information easily.
How To Pass the MLS ASCP/ ASCPi Exam
The Exam is very difficult. But applicants’ firm determination, hard wording, and proper schedule plan can make it easy. Some advice given below might help you in preparation to pass the exam.
Need to pass the MLS ASCP exam, no way with us. Just take action on the fowlling steps?
Total Time: 1 minute
Considering Exam Method
Candidates must know about the exam’s nature before sitting this exam. For instance, The ASCP exam offers 100 multiple-choice questions that candidates have to complete within 2 hours and 30 minutes. Furthermore, it is administered with CAT (computer adaptive testing).
Choose excellent Study Material
Candidates must know about the exam’s nature before sitting this exam. For instance, The ASCP exam offers 100 multiple-choice questions that candidates have to complete within 2 hours and 30 minutes. Furthermore, it is administered with CAT (computer adaptive testing).
Choose excellent Study Material
Candidate should Select the material that must be conclusive, all-in-one-option, comprehensive, affordable, and easy to understand.
Know about Study Content Area
Candidates must know about the content area for this exam that is recommended by ASCP BOC. MLS Exam has seven subject areas:
1. Blood Banking
2. Chemistry
3. Hematology
4. Microbiology
5. Immunology
6. Urine and Other Body Fluids
7. Laboratory Operation
Keep Brain Healthy
To pass the BOC Exam, candidates must take care of their mental and physical health. To achieve a healthy life, candidates must act upon the following tips
● Proper sleep
● Eat a healthy diet, and skip fast food and white sugar
● Take brain booster supplements
Establish Study Plan
A study plan is better for exam preparation.
When: Some people prefer to do more attention work at night but some in the early morning before starting routine work. You can study at your convenience and refresh hours.
How long: It depends on you. But an average of 6 hours in a day is best for preparation. Because you can get as much as you stick with it.
How to: Writing practice helps to print the stuff in your mind. So, you should write what you learn and study.
Practice on Exam Question
BOC exam questions are complicated and tough. But proper Practice can make it easy. So you should
● Practice questions with pen and paper, try to find answers to some specific questions without any guidance.
● Do this practice for each subject area and score your correct answer.
Apply for the Exam
Candidates must apply for the exam when they are sure of 100% preparation. The duration for exam application and reply from ASCP BOC may take up to 45 days. So make sure that you should be 80-85% ready before booking this exam.
Tips for final exam day
● Sleep and eat well before going for the exam
● Book the best hour for an exam (morning time is better)
FAQ for MLS ASCP Study
Is ASCP difficult?
Yes, the ASCP exam is difficult. But sufficient preparation and candidates’ experience can make it easy.
What is MLS ASCP Vs MLS ASCPi?
MLS ASCPi is for international candidates not for the US, while MLS ASCP is for US candidates.
How much is the ASCP test fee?
Each of these certification exams has its own fee range that can start from $100 to $500. But the average range is $200.
What is a passing score that I need for the ASCP MLS exam?
ASCP score range is 0-999. Candidates must get a 400 score to find what they looking for.
How do candidates pass the ASCP MLS exam?
The ASCP MLS exam is a hard nut to crack. But sufficient preparation, practice and focus on important topics can help candidates to pass this exam. Above mention textbook is best in this regard.
Abdelhalim Elshawadfy is an ASCP certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS ASCP), Specialist in Microbiology (SM ASCP), and Molecular Biology Technologist (MB ASCP) with a distinguished career marked by expertise, continuous learning, and a commitment to elevating the standards of clinical laboratory science. As an ASCP Certification Expert and American Board Certification Expert, Abdelhalim Elshawadfy continues to make invaluable contributions to the field, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.