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)”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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