Medical laboratory scientist (MLS) certification examination offered by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is composed of 100 examination questions given in a 2 hour 30 minute time frame. All examination questions are multiple-choice with one best answer. The MLS (ASCP) certification examination is administered using the format of computer adaptive testing (CAT).
The certification examination questions encompass different subtests within the area of Medical Laboratory Science: Blood Banking, Urinalysis and Other Body Fluids, Chemistry, Hematology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Laboratory Operations. Each of these subtests comprises a specific percentage of the overall 100-question certification examination.
A medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, works to analyze a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians.
Medical laboratory scientists perform complex tests on patient samples using sophisticated equipment like microscopes. The data they find plays an important role in identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions. It is estimated 60 to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis, treatment, hospital admission, and discharge are based on the results of the tests medical laboratory scientists perform.
Scope of practice
Medical laboratory scientists collaborate very closely with physicians and medical laboratory technicians in diagnosing and monitoring disease processes, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. Areas of medical laboratory training include microbiology, chemistry, hematology, immunology, transfusion medicine, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics.
Medical laboratory scientists have a wide variety of responsibilities and duties, including:
Examining and analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells
Relaying test results to physicians
Utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment
Cross matching blood for transfusion
Monitoring patient outcomes
Performing differential cell counts looking for abnormal cells to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and leukemia
Establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results
Overseeing the work of a medical laboratory technician
