Will “Laboratory Specialist (Lab Specialist)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Unknown Chance of Automation

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Job Description

Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, or treatment of genetic diseases.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 29-2011.01

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Cytogenetic Technologists”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Laboratory Specialist (Lab Specialist)”

Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in Internations System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.

Related Technology & Tools

Biological safety cabinets
Heated magnetic stirrers
Hybridization ovens
Liquid nitrogen containers
Mercury vapor lamps
Water deionizers
Metaphase finding system software
Automatic slide loading systems
1 ml pipettes
Slide sorters
Test tube racks
2 ml cryovials
Digital cameras
Ultrasonic sterilization units
Counting chambers
Steam autoclaves
Hot air sterilizers
Benchtop drying chambers
pH meters
Automated imaging systems
Safety gloves
Binocular compound microscopes
Robotic harvesters
Pipette aids
Laboratory freezers
Phase contrast microscopes
Media filtration systems
Glass flasks
Cell culture tubes
Cell harvesters
Incubators
Laboratory refrigerators
Digital image printers
Fluorescent in situ hybridization FISH automation instruments
Glass water distillers
Computerized karotype equipment
Fluorescent microscopes
Vortex mixers
10 ml pipettes
Flat bottom microtiter plates
Tachometers
Photomicroscopes
Desktop computers
Floor model drying chambers
Laboratory microwave ovens
Masks
Reference thermometers
Microscope camera adapters
Low speed refrigerated centrifuges
Denaturation/hybridization systems
Uncooled charge-coupled device cameras
Interferometers
Inverted compound microscopes
Bench-top autoclaves
35m petri dishes
Stereo microscopes
25 ml pipettes
Microarray scanners
Microscope filters
Microscope slides
Water baths
Slide cassettes
4 ml cryovials
Biological containment hoods

Lucia FISH
Lucia MFISH
Image capture software
KARIO
Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
Lucia Metaphase Finder
Lucia CGH
Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
Lucia Karyo
Digital karyotyping software
Lucia Comet Assay
Genial Genetics Shire
Image analysis software
Genetix CytoVision
MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping
Geniel Genetics iGene
Microsoft Excel