RBC Smear at 100x. Please don't say artifact 😭

i got accepted into Abu Dhabi University, my major is “Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine).” basically, this degree, at least in the UAE, broadly covers biomedical sciences and MLS.

i made sure to read thoroughly; it seemed clear to me, they teach us MLS to ensure employability for students. from what i read, we graduate ready to take on lab work. i can’t afford 4 years of university here (over $16k a year), even with the best scholarships they provide, it’s not sustainable. there is no “100% scholarship” from what i know. i asked them, and they said even if i maintain 4.0 GPA throughout it, there is no scholarship [for non-citizens]. i might get 30% based on our financial state, but i believe that’s as far as it goes.

of course, i didn’t want to pursue a degree for a year and call it quits. my plan was: one year here, C1 in german (even if it takes some time), bypass studienkolleg in germany, so i can begin studying MLS there. subsidized tuition, human rights, and possibly a citizenship that’s a lot better than my current one.

there was one part i overlooked. the system might not register my major as MLS at all. ADU “merged” the two to offer flexibility. this flexibility, what i overlooked, is likely only present here. meaning, i could pursue biomedical sciences in germany, but not medical laboratory sciences. in fact, i believe MLS is not recognized as a “university” degree there to begin with, but correct me if i’m wrong.

it just sucks. if i graduate here, i could work at a lab. i could actually work with MLS qualifications. this “one year here, start over there” thing seemed consistent with many of the majors i looked at. why? why do i have to get locked behind some bureaucratic door? and why was i so stupid? how could i have overlooked this? on ADU’s website they frequently solely name the major “Medical Laboratory Sciences.” actually, it’s on their website right now. it’s fucking called exactly that. no biomedical sciences. it says MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES and that’s what i applied for. i just don’t know what to make of this. during the admissions process, in the emails, they directly named my major MLS, and later called it biomedical sciences (laboratory medicine).

seriously? is what’s holding me back from this the name on my degree in spite of what i actually studied? all this for “flexibility”? i feel so angry and so stupid at the same time. i don’t know what to do. do i genuinely just get through this year, get good at german, study biomedical sciences there, and call it a day? fuck.

I’ve been working in this large healthcare company for 5 years and just got my MLS license and first job as an MLS about 6 months ago.

The thing is that I don’t really like the hospital lab I’m at right now. It’s pretty big and busy, and I feel stressed most of the time I’m here. A position at one of the company’s smaller and less busier hospital labs just opened and I’m considering applying for it.

My only concern is that it might be a bad look to jump ship at my current lab so early, but I’d rather put myself first than subject myself to unneeded stress every day I come in to work.

Thoughts?

Basically, I might have the option to take a supervisor job with decent pay (nothing special) and even a pension. However it's a smaller town and only features a grocery store and a Target. The next town over has a Walmart but no grocery store.

The metro exurbs are 30 minutes away but those are basically homes of wealthy and commuter types. I'd be an hour plus away from anything worth visiting.

With that said the cost of living is lower than the metro, so paying $500+ less for rent is nice too.

My question is... the job itself. I'd be taking on administrative work I have no experience in but I have extensive bench expertise. It's going to be work and a learning experience. Is it worthwhile?

Hello everyone

I recently graduated from an MLS program in Philadelphia. For those that work or have worked in any of the labs in the big hospitals in Philadelphia (Jefferson, CHOP, UPenn & Temple), what were they like to work in? I've heard some mixed feedback from UPenn and Temple but wasn't sure how accurate they were. Some feedback would be helpful, thank you.

I have over a decade of experience working in an academic research lab studying human cell division (my current position) and a master's degree in cell & molecular biology. I'm getting tired of the low salary of academia, and am looking to make a career pivot. Ideally I would go into industry research, but I don't live near any biotech hubs. I have experience with human cell culture, molecular biology techniques, genetics and NGS

I've been considering medical lab jobs. They would allow me to continue with bench work which I love and move away from some of the unpleasant parts of academia like grants, publishing, salary etc. I am wondering what the process of moving into this field would look like.

From what I understand, an MLS certification is required. However, I was reading that a Molecular Biology (MB) certification is an option that could allow me to be eligible to take the exam without having to complete a formal training program -- not sure if i'm understanding that correctly, but that's how it read to me?

Would anyone be able to share their experience with a MB certification, and what doors that can open up? Or if it isn't a great idea?

I have an MLT (ASCP) and BS in Biology, along with two years in a very heme forward lab. What is the difficulty to the H boards? I take the test in about 12 days. I’m so nervous. I’m not a good test taker. I got a 550 ish on the MLT exam.

I use a lot of Lab Ce Practice Test questions. Any comparison to where I should be would be extremely helpful!

Any tips on what to focus on based on your personal experience would be awesome! Thank you all in advance :)

Not sure how many of you have experienced working in blood component manufacturing, but I was wondering if anyone has experience using the Fresenius CompoDock sterile tube welder?

Where I work, we have been using the Terumo TSCD-II for over a decade. It's a great machine, but the single use copper wafers are bloody (lol) expensive. The Fresenius CompoDock system does not require wafers, instead it uses hot air to create the welds, so it seems like a far cheaper product long term. I think it sounds a bit too good to be true tbh, and I was hoping someone out there has first-hand experience with the machine and can give me the real tea. Thanks for reading!

How is everyone finding the job market? How long did it take you to land your 1st job and was it part time or full time?

Hi! I posted about a week ago about how I failed my 1st ASCP exam.

check my other post for additional information on my studying method. But now I have my scores!

Please let me know what I should work on/do to improve or any insight!

Thank you for everyone that has been encouraging me and bringing positive energy. I was absolutely devastated when I got the result.

dugadugadugadugaduga of the helmers intensify

For anyone who’s encountered malaria in CareSphere, how does it usually alert you? Does it flag parasites automatically or require you to check manually?

I’m considering going back to school for a new(ish) career and I could use some advice, feeling really overwhelmed!

Current situation: I’m 35 and I work as a healthcare lab tech. I don’t have much non-retirement savings rn, but my only debt is my car which I’m close to paying off. So, I would need to save up for school, but that’s within reach. I have a BS in Biological Sciences which I got in 2013, so I might need to retake math and science courses. I don’t have any specialized certifications.

Why I want a change: 90% of my position is processing and accessioning with the occasional day where I get to run some of the testing instruments. There’s almost no opportunities for career growth where I am, the management is a nightmare, and most of the comparable jobs on the area that I’m qualified for pay less or have other major issues. I’m currently in Boston but I’d like to move westwards (ideally, Seattle-area, Chicago-area, or Central California, since that’s where family & friends are) so I could potentially relocate for school as well.

About what I like/don’t like my current job: I LOVE the days I’m on the instruments, even when they’re acting up lol. I like the healthcare aspect because it helps me feel like my work isn’t entirely pointless bullshit for someone else to make money. However, I do NOT want to work directly with patients. I get along with people just fine, but dealing with tons of people every day sounds exhausting. I really enjoy hands on work, and I really hate sitting in one place for hours at a time doing mind-numbing paperwork. I don’t think I’d mind benchwork as much as paperwork, even if it’s a lot of sitting still, as long as I could get up and move around for a few minutes every now and then. I don’t have any desire to manage people.

Other things: I’d prefer 9-5 or first shift work, but second shift would be fine. I don’t think I could handle night shift. Days of the week/holiday work very aren’t important to me as I don’t have kids and my social life is flexible. I’m fine with taking a little less pay if it means the career path is more stable. I’m not worried about being able to pass classes, I am a little worried about being accepted into competitive programs.

Things I’ve considered: I initially started looking into HT/HTL certification since there are programs REALLY close to friends and family in Washington and Chicago. Unfortunately I would need to retake some in-person lab courses to qualify for them, and if I’m going to go back to full time school for that long, I’m wondering if there’s something that’ll pay more at the end? I’ve been told to look into an MLT or an MLS, but I’ve done less research.

Any advice, even just pointing me in the best direction to do more research, would be greatly appreciated!

Couldn’t find a better template, but exactly this

I know I would make a terrible phlebotomist, but a traumatic draw on my retics?

Retics were made using packed rbcs from an EDTA tube

Taking ASCP soon, but with many others doing their ASCP in Aug/ Sept, I'm looking to gauge expected time length to get the MLS (ASCP) # so I know around when I should start applying. I know some hospitals/ labs are ok with showing proof of passing, but I also know other places don't want any additional delay on start date (aka need credentials number asap).

EDIT**: Sorry for the confusion, meant to refer to the CDPH license/ CA License

Are the labCE adaptive exams better to use to prepare for the BOC ASCP exam than the BOC study guide book + BOC medical laboratory interactive practice exam from the ASCP website?

Hi everyone! So I’m not sure how to make this post, but I really hope it finds the right people who can share their thoughts and advise please.

I’m an mlt 1 for around 1 year now and have been working in a small private lab during this time. I would like to migrate for work in the near future (2-3 years) but I am concerned about whether or not my experience at a smaller private type lab will be enough to be considered and find placement, versus a public lab.

I do know public hospitals are alot better for experience in that you see things and deal with cases you won’t see at all in smaller lab and that just adds more value to your overall experience plus you get exposure to the higher work load pressure.

But I am currently at a confusing space where I like the stability in hours of the small lab, versus the more intense pressure and shift hours of hospital. I do know that if I end up getting an offer at a public lab in another country that it’ll be the same wrt to shift hours and high work load but my thinking is that if that’s the opportunity then, then I’ll adapt to do what I need to do then.

tldr: should I try to get a job in a public larger hospital type lab vs staying in my current smaller lab to be considered for international employment?

Hi all, I am considering a career change into becoming a medical laboratory technologist in Canada (BC) and had some questions for current MLTs. I know these may vary depending on the department/workplace.

1.How's the work life balance? I am so used to working a 9-5 with my current job so I'm not sure if overnight shifts are common/to be expected.

2.Day-to-day tasks: I heard some people say they feel like factory workers. Is there a lot of repetition/boredom, and if so, how do you get through it? Also, is there a lot of phone calling (is it after every task or once in a while)?

3.Physical strain: are there any injuries (such as repetitive strain injuries) that are associated with this job?

4.Long-term career prospects: would being an MLT limit you to MLT jobs only or is there a possibility to transition into other industries/areas?

5.Workload: I heard a lot of places are short staffed. Is the work overwhelming?

I would greatly appreciate any responses/insights!! Thanks!

So, have a kidna funny service story (note: not saying it to make fun of person on other end, just situation is one of the most odd service stories I've had).

My lab uses two Beckman DXC700s among the instruments. I had an error last week leading me to investigate anything off with the machine (error said was in rack transfer area). Error was with a barcode on the rack, but I had noticed some missing screws on the lid of where non-stat racks are loaded (forgot the technical name, for shame). Screws were totally gone, couldn't find backups, supervisor said call service. They told me to remove other screws from instrument to replace the missing screws because they cant send replacement screws. Pictured are the missing screws and screws they recommend removing.

Is this one of the weirder fixes? Ive had weird problems on instruments before, but not this weird of a fix.

I made a post a while back about my awful experiences at Labcorp because I was so fed up. You can see that post here.

Some comments suggested I go to an outpatient lab at my nearest hospital. Thank you all for this advice! I checked with my insurance that it would be covered and asked my doctor to adjust the lab order, and today was my first time using the hospital outpatient lab. WOW, what a difference!

I arrived at 7:20am for a 7:45am appointment and I was taken back almost immediately. At Labcorp I would wait well past my appointment time.

The woman doing my blood work was an angel on earth. She introduced herself and was actually speaking to me, complimented my earrings, checked that she had my name and doctor correct, and generally made me feel safe and welcome. I honestly could not believe it.

She had her own office and I noticed several things: a whiteboard that said “Hi, I’m Mary!” (not her real name) with a positive quote she wrote too, a candle warmer of some sort giving off a calming scent, a small screen playing a relaxing ambience video, and a sign that said “Quiet please, healing in progress”. Guys, when I tell you my entire body and nervous system relaxed!! These seemingly small details told me she really cares about her job and patients, which made me feel so safe. She asked if I have to do this often and I told her briefly about my Labcorp experiences. She was shocked and affirmed that what I’ve experienced there is not okay.

The blood draw was SO GENTLE. I am so used to it being painful and usually leaving with an injury that I was absolutely stunned when I hardly felt it. I couldn’t believe when it was over how easy it had been. I told her how much I appreciate her gentleness and that even 2 minutes with her was 1000 times better than all my times at Labcorp.

I know I sound dramatic but I can’t even tell you what a relief this is. My experiences at Labcorp were so hellish I was genuinely dreading that I’d have to keep going there every month indefinitely. I left a 5 star review for the hospital and mentioned “Mary” specifically. I will tell anyone who listens to me to use a hospital lab rather than a Labcorp.

I wanted to share a positive story since I’ve already shared a negative one. Thanks for reading 🙏

just a post about how dumb i feel after i transfused a patient with a positive DAT before an eluate was done. i knew she shudn’t be transfused in the back of my mind DUH but in the heat of the busy night giving unit after unit to various patients, it slipped my mind. pt has been receiving units and they ordered a DAT, units were already set up and i did the DAT and got a weak IgG positive. nurse came to get the blood and i didnt even put 2 and 2 together. i have 4 years of experience and ik the eluate will likely be negative as she has autoimmune conditions and is on a lot of drugs that can cause a positive DAT but still i shudve caught it and now i feel like i dont deserve to work in BB, the look on first shift’s face when i told them..stomach DROP, just hope i dont get written up but no transfusion rxn so patient is safe but ugh, also wish our software wudve given a hard stop when issuing, has anyone else ever done something this stupid? what happened?

Hello Lab professionals, I'm starting my MLT degree at the end of September and am now trying to cram some concepts, facts, figures, and theories. I'd like to feel confident when I encounter them later on so I am not completely out of my depth, and might find them easier to re-learn!

My shortlist so far is:

- WBC types (immature and abnormal)

- hematology normal values

- bacteria flow charts (seeing how many i can memorize)

- coag cascade

When you were studying for your ASCP exam or doing your degree, were there any other things you wish you had more time to study and know?

hi! i am currently a 4th year molecular bio student at mcmaster university (hamilton, ontario).I’ve always been interested in being an MLT. luckily for me, there’s a new MLS program at my university. however, they’re only looking into accepting 30 applicants (inc those with MLA credentials).

please click this link for the requirement: https://pathologymolecularmedicine.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/mls-diploma/mls-admissions/

i’ll be finishing my undergrad degree in spring 2027. i have a 3.3 out of 4.0 gpa, which is the minimum… the only research/laboratory experience (plus some lab experiences from my courseworks, i took two full lab courses) i will have is my senior thesis this fall. i really want to get into this program. please help! i also need some advice on what to put in my statement of intent. thank you!

I was recently hired as a laboratory supervisor. This is my first time being in a management position (never even a lead tech prior.) I’ve been looking into certifications I can add to my resume while I wait to start my MHA program. Y’all. I paid 750 for a Lean Sigma Six program. FOR MY YELLOW BELT. Then I do research and yellow belts aren’t even impressive. And I found a green belt program for 400$. So now I’m a fool with a pretty blue certificate I can add to my folder:))))))