Description
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
- • Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.
- • Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.
- • Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.
- • Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.
- • Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.
- • Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.
- • Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.
- • Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.
- • Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.
- • Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.
- • Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.
- • Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.
- • Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
