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ESCO occupation

scientific laboratory technician

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Scientific laboratory technicians carry out laboratory-based research, analysis and testing and support life science professionals. They sample, test, measure, research and analyse in areas such as biology, biotechnology, environmental science, forensic science and pharmacology. Scientific laboratory technicians also observe and monitor laboratory activities, record test sequences and analyse the results.

3141.2 ISCO 3141 ESCO source
Competences
83
Groups
4
Essential
17
Optional
66

Competences and skills

83 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
cryopreservation

Cryopreservation deals with procedures, risks and conditions applied to cells or tissues in order to prevent contamination and damage. It refers to the preservation of embryos, eggs, semen and testicle tissue by cooling to very low temperatures (typically -80 or -196°C).

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stem cells

The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
laboratory techniques

Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.

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Essential skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
apply safety procedures in laboratory

Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.

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conduct routine blood testing

Perform routine tests on blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites.

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work safely with chemicals

Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

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Cross-sector

11 competences
calibrate laboratory equipment

Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.

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maintain laboratory equipment

Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.

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mix chemicals

Mix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.

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operate scientific measuring equipment

Operate devices, machinery, and equipment designed for scientific measurement. Scientific equipment consists of specialised measuring instruments refined to facilitate the acquisition of data.

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perform laboratory tests

Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.

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perform sample testing

Examine and perform tests on prepared samples; avoid any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination during the testing phase. Operate sampling equipment in line with design parameters.

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prepare samples for testing

Take and prepare samples for testing, verify their representability; avoid bias and any possibility of accidental or deliberate contamination. Provide clear numbering, labelling and recording of the sample details, in order to make sure that the results can be accurately matched to the original material.

Scope note
May also perform routine testing on the obtained samples.
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record test data

Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

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test chemical samples

Perform the testing procedures on the already prepared chemical samples, by using the necessary equipment and materials. Chemical sample testing involves operations such as pipetting or diluting schemes.

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use chemical analysis equipment

Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.

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wear appropriate protective gear

Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

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Optional knowledge 22 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

11 competences
automated analysers in the medical laboratory

The methods used to introduce samples into the laboratory instrument that analyses biological samples for diagnosis purpose.

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biological chemistry

Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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blood collection on babies

The recommended procedure for collecting blood from babies through their heel.

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blood donation

The procedures related to collecting blood samples from volunteers, the screening testing against disease and the follow-up.

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blood type classification

The classification of blood types such as group A, B, AB, 0 and their characteristics.

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data protection

The principles, ethical issues, regulations and protocols of data protection.

digital
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fine-needle aspiration

The type of biopsy through which a thin needle is inserted into an area of body tissue and analysed in the laboratory to determine whether the tissue is benign or malignant.

Scope note
It includes testing for diagnosing the status of breast lumps.
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histopathology

The procedures needed for the microscopic examination of stained tissue sections using histological techniques.

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microbiology-bacteriology

Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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paediatric phlebotomy procedures

The paediatric blood collection procedures related to the age and specificity of the children involved, how to interact with children and their family to prepare them for the blood collection procedure and how to engage with children`s anxiety related to needles.

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techniques of blood-sampling

The appropriate techniques for the collection of blood samples for laboratory work purposes, depending on the group of people targeted such as children or elderly.

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Cross-sector

11 competences
biology

Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.

green
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blood transfusion

The procedures involved in blood transfusions, including compatibility and disease testing, by means of which blood is transferred into blood vessels, taken from donors with the same blood type.

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chemistry

The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.

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clinical biochemistry

The various types of tests performed on bodily fluids such as electrolytes, renal function tests, liver function tests or minerals.

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clinical cytology

The science of the formation, structure, and function of cells.

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immunology

Immunology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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life sciences

The study of the processes related to cells, molecules and living organisms.

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mathematics

Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

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microscopic techniques

The techniques, functions and limitations of microscopy to visualise objects that cannot be seen with the normal eye.

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physics

The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

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virology

The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.

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Optional skills and competences 44 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
perform PCR covid test

Collect respiratory components to detect COVID-19 virus in a patient using the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Proper use of the utensils necessary for performing the PCR covid test such as personal protective equipment, swabs, chemical tubes, and samples. Seal the sample into a tube and send it to a laboratory for analysis and interpretation.

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Sector-specific

23 competences
analyse blood samples

Analyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.

digital
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analyse cell cultures

Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.

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analyse experimental laboratory data

Analyse experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings

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analyse samples of food and beverages

Examine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. Ensure samples of food and beverages comply to specific standards or procedures.

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answer patients' questions

Respond in a friendly and professional manner to all inquiries from current or potential patients, and their families, of a healthcare establishment.

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archive healthcare users' records

Properly store the health records of healthcare users, including test results and case notes so that they are easily retrieved when required.

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assist in the production of laboratory documentation

Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.

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carry out quality control in microbiology laboratories

Perform quality assurance testing of media, reagents, laboratory instrumentation and other materials used in microbiology laboratory.

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check the received biological samples

Ensure that the received biological samples such as blood and tissues, are correctly labeled, registered and contain the appropriate information about the patient.

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collect biological samples from patients

Follow recommended processes to collect bodily fluids or samples from patients for further laboratory testing, assisting the patient as required.

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conduct routine blood testing

Perform routine tests on blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites.

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examine cell specimens microscopically

Prepare and put the cell specimens received for examination on slides, stain and mark cellular changes and abnormalities.

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examine samples in dermatology

Prepare tissue, blood or skin samples for examination procedures and analyse them by running chemical and biological tests.

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explain the molecular basis of a disease to patients

Explain to patients the basis of their disease from the molecular and metabolic points of view and how therapies can affect their lifestyles.

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identify patients' medical records

Locate, retrieve and present medical records, as requested by authorized medical personnel.

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interpret electromyograms

Analyse and interpret electromyograms or EMGs to detect the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated.

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interpret hematological test results

Review blood samples and bone marrow under the microscope and interpret results of the tests.

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label blood samples

Label blood samples taken from patients in compliance with regulations and the identity of the patient.

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label samples

Label raw material/product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.

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maintain healthcare user data confidentiality

Comply with and maintain the confidentiality of healthcare users` illness and treatment information.

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monitor stock level

Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.

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sterilise medical equipment

Disinfect and clean all medical devices and equipment gathered from operating rooms, wards and other departments of a hospital or clinic and check for bacteria after disinfection using a microscope.

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transport blood samples

Ensure that the blood samples collected are transported safely and correctly, following strict procedures to avoid contamination

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Cross-sector

20 competences
analyse test data

Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.

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archive scientific documentation

Store documents such as protocols, analysis results and scientific data using archiving systems to enable scientists and engineers to take methods and results from previous studies into account for their research.

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assist scientific research

Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.

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check material resources

Verify that all requested resources are delivered and in good working order. Notify the appropriate person or people of any problems related to technical and material resources.

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collect samples for analysis

Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

Scope note
Follow the procedures required for the collection of materials and products for laboratory analysis.
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communicate in healthcare

Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.

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develop scientific research protocols

Develop and record the procedural method used for a specific scientific experiment in order to enable its replication.

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dispose medical waste

Carry out the appropriate technique to safely dispose all types of medical waste such as infective, toxic and radioactive waste.

green
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ensure compliance with environmental legislation

Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

green
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execute analytical mathematical calculations

Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

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interpret medical results

Interpret, integrate and apply results of diagnostic imaging, laboratory tests and other investigations as part of the assessment of the client, in consultation with other healthcare practitioners.

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maintain medical laboratory equipment

Regularly check the condition of medical laboratory equipment used, clean, and perform maintenance operations, as necessary.

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manage chemical processes inspection

Manage the chemical in-process inspection, making sure the inspection results are documented, the inspection procedures are well written and the checklists are updated.

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manage chemical testing procedures

Manage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.

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manage supplies

Monitor and control the flow of supplies that includes the purchase, storage and movement of the required quality of raw materials, and also work-in-progress inventory. Manage supply chain activities and synchronise supply with demand of production and customer.

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order supplies

Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.

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perform bone marrow transplant

Perform cord blood transplant and manage its side effects in order to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells for patients affected by cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, aplastic anaemia or severe immunodeficiency syndromes.

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report test findings

Report test results with a focus on findings and recommendations, differentiating results by levels of severity. Include relevant information from the test plan and outline the test methodologies, using metrics, tables, and visual methods to clarify where needed.

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send samples to laboratory

Forward collected samples to the concerned laboratory, following strict procedures related to the labeling and tracking of the information on the samples.

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work with chemicals

Handle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.

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