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)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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