Will “Medical Laboratory Specialist (Medical 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 “Medical Laboratory Specialist (Medical Lab Specialist)”

Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
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.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
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.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.
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.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in Internations System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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