Simulations & Test Prep

Simulations & Test Prep is a module within MediaLab by Vastian designed for clinical laboratory professionals, students, and educators. It provides virtual case study simulators and exam preparation tools to help individuals develop and demonstrate key laboratory skills, and to prepare for certification exams from bodies including ASCP, AAB, AMT, NCCT, and NHA. The platform supports progress tracking and delivers instant feedback on tests, assessments, and case studies.

The module covers two primary components: Case Simulators, which replicate laboratory scenarios using virtual microscopy and high-quality images, and Exam Simulators, which mimic online certification exams using a bank of over 5,000 questions. Both components are accessible 24/7/365 from any internet-connected device, with subscriptions providing a full year of access to learning materials.

Certification Exam Coverage

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) — ASCP
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) — ASCP
• Histotechnician (HT) — ASCP
• Histotechnologist (HTL) — ASCP
• ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
• NCCT National Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NCPT)
• NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
• Technologist in Molecular Biology — MB(ASCP)
• Molecular Diagnostics Technologist — MDT (AMT)

Case Simulator Capabilities

• Access a library of hundreds of case studies spanning all major laboratory disciplines, including blood bank, hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis.
• Conduct virtual lab assessments without the cost and preparation associated with a wet lab.
• Use virtual microscopy with multiple magnification levels and high-quality images to support visual identification skills.
• View expert-led video summaries after each case assessment, providing feedback and educational insights.
• Switch between "test" mode for a challenge and "review" mode to receive immediate feedback after each answer.
• Analyze antibody panels, perform virtual differentials, and identify cultured organisms through interactive case formats.
• Educators can monitor student performance and assessment results from an overview dashboard.
• CompassPlus subscribers receive unlimited access to the continually expanding simulator library, including all new cases as they are added.

Case Simulator Disciplines and Case Counts

• Bacteriology: 49 cases covering aerobic and anaerobic bacteria identification, plate analysis, Gram stain reactions, and biochemical testing.
• Blood Bank: 25 cases covering ABO/Rh typing, antibody screening, antibody rule-outs and identification, and compatible blood unit selection, with gel card images and interactive antibody panels.
• Blood Culture Gram Stain: 81 cases featuring virtual microscopy at multiple zoom levels and detailed video analyses by clinical experts.
• Urinalysis: 30 cases with 1,500 images covering macroscopic appearance, reagent strip results, and microscopic zoom levels for urine sediment evaluation.
• Body Fluid: 30 cases featuring hemocytometer and cytospin slide images, cell identification, and cell count calculations.
• Red Blood Cell Morphology: 25 cases with a virtual microscope at multiple magnifications covering a variety of red blood cell morphology types.
• White Blood Cell Differential: 25 cases with 2,500 images including normal and abnormal white blood cells for differential analysis.
• Advanced White Blood Cell Differential: 12 advanced cases with 1,200 slide images focused on abnormal white blood cells and leukemias.
• Hematology Case Study: 12 detailed cases featuring CBC analysis, CellaVision® blood smear images, patient history integration, and critical thinking exercises.
• Clinical Chemistry Case Study Simulator: 50 realistic clinical cases covering diagnostic reasoning and laboratory interpretation, with patient history, vital signs, and integrated lab data analysis, structured decision-making support, and immediate feedback.

Exam Simulator Capabilities

• Simulate real certification exams using computer-adaptive testing across all exam simulators.
• Access a question bank of over 5,000 questions developed by program directors with more than 30 years of teaching experience.
• Create custom quizzes by selecting and mixing questions from the question bank to match specific student needs.
• Assign exams to students based on targeted study areas.
• Use review mode, test mode, or game mode to accommodate different learning preferences.
• Track student progress through detailed score reports, charts, and graphs.
• Compare student scores by section and identify subject areas requiring further review.
• Test specific content areas and topics with tailored assessments.

Reported Usage and Scale

• Over 5,000,000 total practice exams completed on the platform.
• Over 900,000 total simulators completed.
• Thousands of sites have used the simulators.

Simulations & Test Prep integrates with other MediaLab by Vastian solutions. Case simulators can be assigned as tasks within the Compass competency assessment module, allowing laboratories to incorporate simulation-based assessments directly into their competency management workflows. The platform is used by both academic programs preparing students for clinicals and certifications, and by laboratory organizations managing ongoing staff competency and compliance requirements.