Hello My Little Gang of Nasties 😈🤪 Tomorrow we’re running another pop-up LIVE study session at: 📍3PM PST📍4PM MST📍5PM CST📍6PM EST We’re going through random practice questions on LabCE! We’re diving DEEP into: 🔬 Theory 🧠 Strategy 📚 Critical thinking 💡 WHY the right answers are right 💡 WHY the wrong answers are wrong This is your chance to: ✔️ Study WITH me in real time ✔️ Learn exam strategy ✔️ Build confidence ✔️ Actually have FUN studying 🤣 All you need to bring is your brain, some water, and a willingness to get better. If you want to be part of these every week (plus access to ALL the recordings + structured study support), head over to the Inner Circle of Microscope Views and get inside now. See you tomorrow! xoxo, Marilyn

Greetings Gang 😈🤪 HERE IS THE RECAP OF MONDAY'S LIVE STUDY SESSION ‼️✨There is another one tomorrow evening at 3PM PST/4PM MST/5PM CST/6PM EST https://fathom.video/share/DTxwmHy1sLVpYaFTAkb53canXdH-9NMC VIEW RECORDING - 88 mins (No highlights) Meeting Purpose Review ASCP practice questions across multiple lab disciplines. Key Takeaways - Lewis Antigens are Adsorbed: Lewis antigens are unique because they are not intrinsic to RBCs; they are passively adsorbed from plasma. This key distinction from other blood groups is a common exam point. - Yersinia enterocolitica is a Transfusion Risk: This organism's ability to grow at 4°C (blood storage temperature) makes it a critical cause of transfusion-related septicemia, a high-yield exam fact. - MDS Cytopenia is from Apoptosis: Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) cause low cell counts (cytopenia) because the bone marrow produces abnormal cells that are destroyed via apoptosis before they can be released into circulation. - PCR Steps are Denaturation, Annealing, Extension (DAE): This is the correct sequence for PCR. "Hot start" methods prevent non-specific reactions by keeping the polymerase inactive until the optimal temperature is reached. Topics Molecular Biology & Genetics - DNA Nucleotide Composition:A DNA nucleotide consists of deoxyribose, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base (A, T, C, or G).Ribose and Uracil (U) are components of RNA only. - Huntington's Disease:Caused by a trinucleotide repeat: CAG.CGG is associated with Fragile X syndrome. - Second Messengers (cAMP vs. cGMP):cAMP is generated from ATP by adenyl cyclase.cGMP is generated from GTP by guanylyl cyclase.Clinical Relevance:cGMP → Blood vessel relaxation (vasodilation), explaining the action of drugs like nitroglycerin and .cAMP → Bronchodilation, explaining the action of drugs like albuterol.Lab Takeaway: High hormone levels with no expected effect can indicate a signal transduction problem (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes), not a hormone production issue. - PCR Steps & Hot Start PCR:Standard PCR Sequence: Denaturation → Annealing → Extension (DAE).Hot Start PCR: Prevents non-specific reactions by keeping the polymerase inactive until the optimal temperature is reached.Methods:Keeping the reaction on ice until the thermal cycler heats.Separating polymerase and primers with a wax bead that melts at high temperature.Using modified polymerases that are only activated at high temperatures. - MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry:Mechanism: Identifies bacteria by measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules.Process: A laser vaporizes the sample, and the "time of flight" of the molecules is compared to a database for identification.Key Point: The laser does not amplify bacteria; it vaporizes them.

Hello My Little Gang of Nasties 😈👅 We’ve got another FREE study session coming up this week, but I need your vote! 👇🏾 ⚠️ Quick note: Tuesday is a United States Federal Holiday, so keep that in mind when voting! Drop your vote in the comments: Which day works best for you? 👉🏾 Tuesday (Veteran's Day Holiday) 👉🏾 Wednesday Then comment your preferred time + time zone (Example: 4PM CST / 5PM EST). Once I see what works best for most of you, I’ll lock in the schedule and post the Zoom link! 🎥 We’ll be going over ASCP-style questions and breaking down strategy, so come ready to learn and laugh like last time. xoxo, Marilyn 🫶🏽

Hello My Little Gang of Nasties 😈👅 I’m hosting a FREE study session this Wednesday at 3 PM PST! ⏰ Time breakdown: - PST — 3:00 PM - MST — 4:00 PM - CST — 5:00 PM - EST — 6:00 PM We’re diving into practice questions AND strategy: how to break these questions down, interpret them properly, and actually retain what you’re learning 🧠🔥 Bring your notes, your focus, and your energy 😤📝 See y’all there!

Hey everyone, I’m debating between going for the ASCP MLS or the ASCP HTL (Histotechnologist). The MLS covers a lot of different areas and requires more studying, while the HTL is more focused on histology and feels a bit lighter. I’m not sure which one would be the better choice in the long run. For those of you with experience, I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do these two compare when it comes to income, benefits, and future growth? Any advice would mean a lot.