automated analysers in the medical laboratory
The methods used to introduce samples into the laboratory instrument that analyses biological samples for diagnosis purpose.
Medical laboratory assistants work under supervision of the biomedical scientist and carry out basic laboratory procedures. They work in the pre-analytical handling of samples such as checking the details of specimens received for analysis, maintaining analysers, loading reagents, and packaging specimens. They also perform clerical tasks such as monitoring the stock levels of reagents used in analysis.
Competences and skills
72 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencesblood type classification
The classification of blood types such as group A, B, AB, 0 and their characteristics.
microbiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
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.
Cross-sector
1 competencelaboratory 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.
Essential skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
10 competencesapply 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.
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.
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.
conduct routine blood testing
Perform routine tests on blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites.
examine cell specimens microscopically
Prepare and put the cell specimens received for examination on slides, stain and mark cellular changes and abnormalities.
identify patients' medical records
Locate, retrieve and present medical records, as requested by authorized medical personnel.
label blood samples
Label blood samples taken from patients in compliance with regulations and the identity of the patient.
perform cerebrospinal fluid analysis
Perform and interpret a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
transport blood samples
Ensure that the blood samples collected are transported safely and correctly, following strict procedures to avoid contamination
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
Cross-sector
14 competencescalibrate 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.
communicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
maintain laboratory equipment
Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
maintain medical laboratory equipment
Regularly check the condition of medical laboratory equipment used, clean, and perform maintenance operations, as necessary.
mix chemicals
Mix chemical substances safely according to recipe, using the proper dosages.
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.
perform laboratory tests
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
use chemical analysis equipment
Use the laboratory equipment such as Atomic Absorption equimpent, PH and conductivity meters or salt spray chambre.
wear appropriate protective gear
Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.
Optional knowledge 20 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencedensiometry
Diagnosis procedure that measures the degree of mineralisation and calcium in a bone by passing x-rays, to determine its thickness or strength. Densiometry is used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor its evolution, predicting whether there is a risk of certain bones breaking
Sector-specific
13 competencesbiological chemistry
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
blood collection on babies
The recommended procedure for collecting blood from babies through their heel.
blood donation
The procedures related to collecting blood samples from volunteers, the screening testing against disease and the follow-up.
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).
data protection
The principles, ethical issues, regulations and protocols of data protection.
digital
dermapathology
The cutaneous diseases at a microscopic and molecular level and the methods to analyse the potential causes of skin diseases at a basic level.
electroencephalography
The situations where electroencephalography or EEG is needed, the techniques that may need to be specified, the preparation the patient needs, and the way to use the results in diagnosis and patient follow-up.
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.
histopathology
The procedures needed for the microscopic examination of stained tissue sections using histological techniques.
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.
stem cells
The biological development of human embryonic stem cells, together with the ethical concerns related and the legal requirements involved.
tissue cytogenetics
The procedure for visualising chromosomes in order to identify genetics defects such as chromosomal translocation.
urolithiasis in the urinary tract
The causes of stone formation in the urinary tract, the different types of stone composition and the treatment methods for urolithiasis and different methods for voiding the upper urinary tract in the case of obstruction.
Cross-sector
6 competencesblood 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.
clinical biochemistry
The various types of tests performed on bodily fluids such as electrolytes, renal function tests, liver function tests or minerals.
clinical cytology
The science of the formation, structure, and function of cells.
immunology
Immunology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
microscopic techniques
The techniques, functions and limitations of microscopy to visualise objects that cannot be seen with the normal eye.
virology
The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
Optional skills and competences 23 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceperform 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.
Sector-specific
17 competencesanalyse blood samples
Analyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.
digital
analyse cell cultures
Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
assist in the production of laboratory documentation
Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.
carry out flow cytometry
Integrate and interpret data generated from flow cytometry histograms into the diagnostic, such as diagnose malignant lymphoma, using flow cytometry technology.
carry out quality control in microbiology laboratories
Perform quality assurance testing of media, reagents, laboratory instrumentation and other materials used in microbiology laboratory.
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.
conduct cancer screening tests
Undertake screening test at an early stage, before cancer symptoms appear, taking physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures and genetic tests.
examine samples in dermatology
Prepare tissue, blood or skin samples for examination procedures and analyse them by running chemical and biological tests.
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.
interpret hematological test results
Review blood samples and bone marrow under the microscope and interpret results of the tests.
interpret urology diagnostic tests
Perform diagnostic procedures relevant to urology such as urinalysis, semen analysis, prostatic fluid examination, ultrasonography of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate.
maintain healthcare user data confidentiality
Comply with and maintain the confidentiality of healthcare users` illness and treatment information.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
perform fertility laboratory procedures
Conduct laboratory analysis of various cells such as semen, prepare sperm and eggs for insemination and clinical intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
perform reconstructive microsurgery
Transfer tissue to cover a defect, removing healthy tissue from one part of the body, and move it to another site on the body and reconnecting it to a blood supply by suturing arteries and veins, using miniturized instruments and/or a microscope
perform stem cell transplantation
Carry out bone marrow stem cell transplants.
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.
Cross-sector
5 competencesdispose medical waste
Carry out the appropriate technique to safely dispose all types of medical waste such as infective, toxic and radioactive waste.
green
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.
order supplies
Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
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.
work with chemicals
Handle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.