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

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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)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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