Cytogenetic Technologists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 29-2011.01
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.31
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
- Data source: OpenAIPublished: 2023
0.336
0.000Range of values carried here0.844Scale, basis and source
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only30 rated tasks · 19 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (63.3%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.O*NET Task ID 17376 | 1.0 |
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.O*NET Task ID 17392 | 1.0 |
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.O*NET Task ID 20566 | 1.0 |
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).O*NET Task ID 20568 | 1.0 |
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.O*NET Task ID 20572 | 1.0 |
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.O*NET Task ID 20573 | 1.0 |
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.O*NET Task ID 17374 | 0.5 |
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.O*NET Task ID 17378 | 0.5 |
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.O*NET Task ID 17383 | 0.5 |
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.O*NET Task ID 17384 | 0.5 |
Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.O*NET Task ID 17385 | 0.5 |
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.O*NET Task ID 17386 | 0.5 |
Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.O*NET Task ID 17387 | 0.5 |
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.O*NET Task ID 17389 | 0.5 |
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.O*NET Task ID 17390 | 0.5 |
Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.O*NET Task ID 17391 | 0.5 |
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.O*NET Task ID 20565 | 0.5 |
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.O*NET Task ID 20569 | 0.5 |
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.O*NET Task ID 20570 | 0.5 |
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.O*NET Task ID 17375 | 0.0 |
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.O*NET Task ID 17377 | 0.0 |
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.O*NET Task ID 17379 | 0.0 |
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.O*NET Task ID 17380 | 0.0 |
Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.O*NET Task ID 17381 | 0.0 |
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.O*NET Task ID 17382 | 0.0 |
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.O*NET Task ID 17388 | 0.0 |
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.O*NET Task ID 17393 | 0.0 |
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.O*NET Task ID 17394 | 0.0 |
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.O*NET Task ID 20567 | 0.0 |
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.O*NET Task ID 20571 | 0.0 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (30)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows. | Core |
| Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy. | Core |
| Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities. | Core |
| Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements. | Core |
| Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs. | Core |
| Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport. | Core |
| Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures. | Core |
| Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth. | Core |
| Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives. | Core |
| Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems. | Core |
| Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests. | Core |
| Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities. | Core |
| Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations. | Core |
| Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes. | Core |
| Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes. | Core |
| Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders. | Core |
| Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems. | Core |
| Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment. | Core |
| Supervise subordinate laboratory staff. | Core |
| Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral. | Core |
| Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language. | Core |
| Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis. | Core |
| Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS). | Core |
| Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results. | Core |
| Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports. | Core |
| Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests. | Core |
| Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions. | Core |
| Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws. | Core |
| Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells. | Supplemental |
| Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers. | Supplemental |
0.42/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems. | E2 structured facilities |
| Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities. | E0 none |
| Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes. | E0 none |
| Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment. | E0 none |
| Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests. | E0 none |
| Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
The BLS Employment Projections table has no row for SOC 29-2011.
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24610 | 임상병리사 | This occupation is narrower | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 3212Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians
The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians perform clinical tests on specimens of bodily fluids and tissues in order to obtain information about the health of a patient or cause of death.
Tasks
- (a) conducting chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components;
- (b) operating, calibrating and maintaining equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers and computer-controlled analysers;
- (c) entering data from analysis of laboratory tests and clinical results into records-keeping systems and reporting results to medical practitioners and other health professionals;
- (d) analysing samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction;
- (e) setting up, cleaning and maintaining laboratory equipment;
- (f) analysing laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results;
- (g) establishing and monitoring programmes to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results and developing, standardizing, evaluating, and modifying procedures, techniques and tests used in the analysis of specimens;
- (h) obtaining specimens, cultivating, isolating and identifying microorganisms for analysis;
- (i) examining cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities;
- (j) inoculating fertilized eggs, broths or other bacteriological media with organisms.
Example occupations
Blood-bank technician · Cytology technician · Medical laboratory technician · Pathology technician
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- cytology screenerESCO 3212.1.2This occupation is narrower
Cytology screeners examine under a microscope samples of human cells obtained from various body parts such as the female reproductive tract, the lung or gastrointestinal tract, assist in identifying cell abnormality and disease such as cancer or infectious agents under supervision, following the orders of the doctor of medicine.The abnormal cells are being transferred to the pathologist for medical diagnosis. They may also work under the supervision of a biomedical scientist. They do not treat patients or assist in medical treatments.
- geneticistESCO 2131.4.8Overlapping, not the same
Geneticists study and focus their research on genetics. They analyse the fashion in which genes interact, operate, and inherit traits and characteristics. Based on their research, they attend patients with inherited diseases and conditions, congenital malformations, and genetic matters at large.
- microbiologistESCO 2131.4.9Overlapping, not the same
Microbiologists study and research the life forms, characteristics, and processes of microscopic organisms. They study microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, etc. in order to diagnose and counteract the effects that these microorganisms might have in animals, in the environment, in the food industry, or in the health care industry.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| J1302 | Technicien / Technicienne de laboratoire d'analyses médicales | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| K2402 | Ingénieur / Ingénieure de recherche scientifique | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 3314 | Técnicos en laboratorio de diagnóstico clínico | This occupation is narrower |
| 2421 | Biólogos, botánicos, zoólogos y afines | Related, not a match |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 81212 | Medizinisch-technische Berufe im Laboratorium - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
| 81213 | Medizinisch-technische Berufe im Laboratorium - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 143 | 臨床検査技師 | This occupation is narrower |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources