bioethics
The implications of various ethical issues related to the new advancements in biotechnology and medicine such as human experimentation.
Biomedical scientists perform all laboratory methods required as part of medical examination, monitoring, treatment, and research activities which involves designing, planning, organizing, applying, evaluating, interpreting and validating all analytical processes. They develop their activity in several fields of expertise such as haematology, microbiology, clinical immunology, cytopathology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and clinical biochemistry among others. This requires the application of qualitative and quantitative laboratory methods, including image analysis and digital pathology, to provide an investigative report and diagnostic opinion on products of a biological nature.
Competences and skills
127 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 48 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencesdensiometry
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
15 competencesanalytical methods in biomedical sciences
The various research, mathematical or analytical methods used in biomedical sciences.
automated analysers in the medical laboratory
The methods used to introduce samples into the laboratory instrument that analyses biological samples for diagnosis purpose.
biological chemistry
Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
biomedical scientists' role in health care system
The roles and responsibilities of a biomedical scientist under the health care regulation system.
biosafety in biomedical laboratory
The principles and methods for managing infectious materials in the laboratory environment, biosafety levels, classification and risk assessment, pathogenicity and toxicity of a living organism and their possible hazards in order to minimise any risks for human health and the environment.
green
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.
diagnostic methods in medical laboratory
The various types of diagnostic methods in the medical laboratory such as clinical-chemical methods, haematological methods, immune-haematological methods, histological methods, cytological methods and micro-biological methods.
embryology
The normal development of the embryo, the aetiology of developmental anomalies such as genetic aspects and organogenesis and the natural history of abnormalities diagnosed before birth.
histopathology
The procedures needed for the microscopic examination of stained tissue sections using histological techniques.
immunohaematology
The reactions of antibodies in relation to the pathogenesis and manifestation of blood disorders.
microbiology-bacteriology
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
professional documentation in health care
The written standards applied in the health care professional environments for documentation purposes of one`s activity.
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.
tissue cytogenetics
The procedure for visualising chromosomes in order to identify genetics defects such as chromosomal translocation.
transplantation
The principles of organ and tissue transplantation, the principles of transplant immunology, immunosuppression, donation and procurement of tissue, and indications for organ transplantation.
Cross-sector
31 competencesbiological haematology
Biological haematology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
biology
Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
green
biomedical science
The principles of the natural sciences applied to medicine. Medical sciences such as medical microbiology and clinical virology apply biology principles for medical knowledge and invention.
biomedical techniques
The various methods and techniques used in biomedical laboratory such as molecular and biomedical techniques, imaging techniques, genetic engineering, electrophysiology techniques and in silico techniques.
biophysics
The characteristics of biophysics which span across various fields, using methods from physics in order to study biological elements.
biostatistics
The methods used to apply statistics in biology-related topics.
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.
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.
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.
clinical immunology
The pathology of a disease in relation to its immune response and immune system.
clinical microbiology
The science of identifying and isolating organisms that cause infectious diseases.
cross-matching techniques for blood transfusions
The testing methods used prior to a blood transfusion to identify if the donor`s blood is compatible with the blood of a specific recipient.
epidemiology
The branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution and control of diseases. The disease aetiology, transmission, outbreak investigation, and comparisons of treatment effects.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
health care occupation-specific ethics
The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.
histology
The microscopic analysis of cells and tissues.
human anatomy
The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.
human physiology
The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
hygiene in a health care setting
The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.
immunology
Immunology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
laboratory methods in biomedical sciences
The types, characteristics and procedures of laboratory techniques used for a wide range of medical tests such as serological tests.
manage healthcare staff
The managerial tasks and responsibilities required in a health care setting.
medical genetics
The diagnosis, types and treatment of hereditary disorders; a type of genetics which refers to the application to medical care.
medical informatics
The processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.
digital
medical terminology
The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.
microscopic techniques
The techniques, functions and limitations of microscopy to visualise objects that cannot be seen with the normal eye.
molecular biology
The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.
pathology
The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.
- Scope note
- Excludes .
radiation protection
The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
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toxicology
The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.
Essential skills and competences 50 competences
Occupation specific
6 competencescarry out biopsy
Perform a microscopic examination of surgical tissues and specimens, obtained during surgery, such as a breast lump biopsy obtained during mastectomy as well as those submitted by non-surgeons.
implement quality control procedures for biomedical tests
Follow quality control procedures, both internal and external, to make sure results from biomedical tests are accurate.
monitor the effects of medication
Carry out tests on laboratory cultures to determine the effects of medication and other programmes of treatment.
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.
perform screening for infectious diseases
Screen and test for infectious diseases, such as rubella or hepatitis. Identify micro-organisms causing disease.
support blood transfusion services
Support blood transfusions and transplants through blood grouping and matching.
Sector-specific
21 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
analyse body fluids
Test samples from human bodily fluids like blood and urine for enzymes, hormones, and other constituents, identifying blood types and determining whether donor blood is compatible with the recipient.
analyse cell cultures
Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
apply good clinical practices
Ensure compliance with and application of the ethical and scientific quality standards used to conduct, record and report clinical trials that involve human participation, at an international level.
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.
assist in the production of laboratory documentation
Assist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
diagnose disorders of the urogenital system
Diagnose diseases or disorders of genitourinary organs and tracts such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, incontinence, prostate cancer, urethral stones, bladder cancer, premature ejaculation, and kidney stones.
label medical laboratory samples
Correctly label samples of the medical laboratory with the accurate information, according to the implemented quality system in place.
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.
perform pathology consultations
Perform pathology consultations by preparing a complete report and making recommendations in response to a request from another health care professional or a medico-legal authority.
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.
provide test results to medical staff
Record and pass test results to medical staff, who use the information to diagnose and treat patient`s illness.
provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health
Identify possible treatment protocols for the challenges to human health within a given community in cases such as infectious diseases of high consequences at the global level.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
validate biomedical analysis results
Clinically validate the results of the biomedical analysis, according to the expertise and authorization level.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
23 competencesadhere to organisational guidelines
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
communicate in healthcare
Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
conduct health related research
Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.
- Scope note
- Research topics may include illness, acute, chronic and non-communicable conditions, public health, clinical research, health promotion and disease prevention topics.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
educate on the prevention of illness
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
keep up to date with diagnostic innovations
Keep up to date with diagnostic innovations and apply newest methods of examination.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
maintain medical laboratory equipment
Regularly check the condition of medical laboratory equipment used, clean, and perform maintenance operations, as necessary.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
manage infection control in the facility
Implement a set of measures to prevent and control infections, formulating and establishing health and safety procedures and policies.
- Scope note
- Includes procedures such as hand washing, disinfection and proper skin care, universal hygiene precautions, collection and handling of laboratory specimens, segregation and disposal of waste materials, decontamination of instruments and clinical equipment, reporting and treatment of sharps injuries, and dealing with blood and body fluid spillages.
perform toxicological studies
Perform tests to detect poisons or drug misuse and help to monitor therapy by using chemical reagents, enzymes, radioisotopes and antibodies to detect abnormal chemical concentrations in the body.
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
record data from biomedical tests
Use information technology to accurately record and analyse data from biomedical tests, writing reports on the data and sharing results with the appropriate persons.
digital
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Optional knowledge 11 competences
Occupation specific
1 competencemedical device vigilance reporting systems
The various vigilance systems for medical devices such as haemovigilance and pharmavigilance.
Sector-specific
7 competencescryopreservation
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).
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.
hepatology
The characteristics of the liver, biliary tree, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as management of their disorders.
intracranial hypertension
The pathophysiology of elevated intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion, the influence of blood gases, blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance.
medical parasitology
The parasites that infect humans, the diseases they cause, potential responses, the methods of their diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control.
neoplasia
The characteristics of tumour formation, genetics, growth, cellular transformation and clonality.
proteomics
The study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions.
Cross-sector
3 competencesfirst aid
The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.
multidisciplinary research
The research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.
pedagogy
The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.
Optional skills and competences 18 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
11 competencescarry out flow cytometry
Integrate and interpret data generated from flow cytometry histograms into the diagnostic, such as diagnose malignant lymphoma, using flow cytometry technology.
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 routine blood testing
Perform routine tests on blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
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 electromyograms
Analyse and interpret electromyograms or EMGs to detect the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated.
monitor biomedical equipment stock
Keep track of the day-to-day biomedical equipment usage. Maintain stock levels and records, such as blood transfusion stock levels.
perform diagnostic testing for allergies
Perform diagnostic testing for allergies to drugs, vaccines, or other substances used in medicinal treatment.
perform virological test
Select, perform and interpret relevant virological tests related to eye infections, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, etc.
research new treatments for blood related disorders
Research cures and new diagnostic techniques for leukaemia and related blood cancers.
Cross-sector
7 competencesapply numeracy skills
Practise reasoning and apply simple or complex numerical concepts and calculations.
conduct training on biomedical equipment
Train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of biomedical equipment.
create solutions to problems
Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
have computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
digital
use foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.