MeSA‑AE & MeSA‑IE: Step‑by‑Step Test SOP (Technician Guide)

Prep & Room Setup 

• Ensure the room is quiet — no distractions, music, or people walking through.
• Seat the test taker in a stable, non‑swivel chair so they can draw comfortably.
• Confirm they’ve used the restroom before starting.
• Keep sharpened pencils/styli ready (have a few extras). Use the eraser end to point when giving directions.

iPad Setup

• Connect to Wi‑Fi (needed to start and to upload results).
• Use iPad Air / Air 2 / Pro (avoid Mini — too small). iOS -10  or higher.
• On the iPad:
  • Go to Settings > General > Multitasking → turn off Allow Multiple Apps and Gestures.
  • Go to Settings > Control Center → turn off Access Within Apps.
  • Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb (or Focus) → turn ON to block notifications.
  • Adjust the volume so the buzzer is clearly heard but not loud.

App Login & Registration

• Open MeSA‑AE or MeSA‑AE Assist app from the App Store.
• If prompted, register the device using your Customer ID and Password from BrainTrain.
• Enter the test taker’s User ID and Password that you assigned.
• Rotate the iPad horizontally (landscape) for best visibility.

Explain Global Rules (to the test taker)

• Speak slowly and clearly while they look at the screen:
• “Work as quickly as you can, but carefully. Draw so your line touches or goes through the edge of each circle. Do not lift the pencil until the test ends. If you lift it, I’ll point to the last correct circle so you can continue from there.”
• If they ask for help once Test A or B has started, reply exactly: > “Since this is a test, I can’t give you any more help. Keep working and do your best.”
• Technician notes: - Lifting the pencil/stylus = not an error — just redirect them to the last correct circle. - A line that comes within ⅛ inch of the correct circle and clearly shows intent = not an error, unless the target is wrong. - After each practice test, remind them: “Make sure your line actually touches each circle.”

Practice Test A (Connecting 1 → 8)

Goal: Teach the task clearly before real testing.

• Follow the app’s on‑screen guidance.
• Ask them to draw one continuous line from circle 1 to 8 in order.
• If they:
  • Lift pencil → say, “Keep the pencil on the page. Continue from here,” (point to last correct circle).
  • Go to wrong or skipped circle → tap Sequential Error, wait for the buzzer, then point to last correct circle and say “Start again from here.”
• If they make 3 mistakes, use hand‑over‑hand guidance (use eraser end) to show 1→8 correctly.
• If, after two guided attempts, they still don’t understand, stop the test (swipe the top bar or tap Exit Test). You may restart the practice later.
• When finished, point out any lines that didn’t touch circles and remind them to touch each circle.

Only start the real Test A when Practice A is done successfully. Tap Start Test.

Test A (Timed)

• No coaching once it starts — only respond to errors or pencil lifts.
• Error handling:
  • Wrong or skipped circle → tap Sequential Error, buzzer sounds, point to last correct circle and say “Continue from here.”
  • Pencil lift → not an error; just redirect.
• Stop rules and timing:
  • MeSA‑IE: Stop at number 15 or after 3 minutes (180 sec).
  • MeSA‑AE: Stop at number 25 or after 3 minutes (180 sec).
• Tap Finish Test when done. If Time’s Up! appears, the app ends automatically.
• Score = total seconds to finish.
• Review errors/time → tap Finalize Test to lock Test A and unlock Test B.

Practice Test B (Number–Letter Alternation)

Goal: Teach the alternating pattern.

• Explain slowly while pointing: “You’ll go 1 → A → 2 → B → 3 → C, and so on. Don’t lift the pencil.”
• During practice:
  • Pencil lift → redirect and say “Continue from here.”
  • Error → tap Sequential Error (wrong next item) or Perseverative Error (staying on numbers or letters only). Wait for buzzer, point to last correct, resume.
• After 3 mistakes → demonstrate hand‑over‑hand (start at 1, show the pattern 1‑A‑2‑B‑3‑C etc.).
• If, after two guided tries, they still don’t understand, 
• End of practice → remind: “Be sure your line touches each circle.”

Only start the real Test B once Practice B is done successfully. Tap Start Test.

Test B (Timed)

• No coaching once it starts.
• Error handling:
  • Wrong/Skipped target → tap Sequential Error.
  • Alternation error (number → number or letter → letter) → tap Perseverative Error.
  • Pencil lift → not an error; point to last correct and resume.
• Stop rules and timing:
  • MeSA‑IE: Stop at number 8 or after 5 minutes (300 sec).
  • MeSA‑AE: Stop at number 13 or after 5 minutes (300 sec).
• Tap Finish Test when done (or wait for Time’s Up! message).
• Score = total seconds to finish.
• Review errors/time → tap Finalize Test to lock Test B.

Important: Data is saved only after both Test A and Test B are finalized.

When to Stop or Restart

Stop the test if:

• The person becomes upset, frustrated, or refuses to continue.
• They cannot understand even after practice teaching.
• Something interrupts the session (noise etc.)

To stop: Swipe the top bar or tap Exit Test, then follow the on‑screen prompts. You can restart later if needed.

Data Handling & Reusing Codes

• Results upload automatically to the secure PC station once both tests are complete. No personal data is stored on the iPad.
• If the test was not completed, you can unassign the usage code and reuse it for another person.
• To reuse a code (later on PC): Open Edit Test Record → Select Person → Remove Assign Code.
• Use the PC Reports and Data Analysis screen to view completed results.

Technician Quick Responses

• If asked for help: “Since this is a test, I can’t give you any more help. Keep working and do your best.”
• After a pencil lift: “Continue from here. Keep the pencil on the page.”
• After a mistake: (Record error first) “Start again from here.”
• After practice near‑misses: “Make sure your line touches each circle.”

Do’s & Don’ts

Do:

• Ensure the seating and volume are comfortable.
• Coach only during Practice A/B; record errors carefully.
• Pause or restart if something invalidates data (e.g., noise, broken pencil).
• Stop the test if the person is too anxious or confused.

Don’t:

• Let them switch hands mid‑test or use the pencil incorrectly.
• Give hints or coaching during Test A/B beyond error acknowledgment.
• Correct off‑task behavior unless it disrupts the testing.

 

Version Reference – End Targets and Times

Part	MeSA‑IE End Target	MeSA‑AE End Target	Max Time
Test A	15	25	3 min (180 s)
Test B	8	13	5 min (300 s)

Always follow the on‑screen version limits; the app enforces the correct ceiling and timing.

 

Final Checklist (Before Leaving the Room)

• ☑ Practice A done and understood    
• ☑ Test A finalized    
• ☑ Practice B done and understood   
•  ☑ Test B finalized    
• ☑ Data uploaded (or noted for next Wi‑Fi sync)    
• ☑ Document any discontinuations or unusual events.