Cytotechnologists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 29-2011.02
Stain, mount, and study cells to detect evidence of cancer, hormonal abnormalities, and other pathological conditions following established standards and practices.
- 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
0.160
0.000Range of values carried here0.844Scale, basis and source
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only13 rated tasks · 9 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (69.2%)
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
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Examine specimens using microscopes to evaluate specimen quality.29-2011.02 | 0.005957.3 | 0.006651.2 |
Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.29-2011.02 | 0.004442.7 | 0.004434.4 |
Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions. | —0 | 0.001914.4 |
| Not observed on any surface — 11 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states. | ||
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions. | —0 | —0 |
Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports. | —0 | —0 |
Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples such as by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. | —0 | —0 |
Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information. | —0 | —0 |
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety. | —0 | —0 |
Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination. | —0 | —0 |
Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment such as microscopes. | —0 | —0 |
Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities. | —0 | —0 |
Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues. | —0 | —0 |
Perform karyotyping or organizing of chromosomes according to standardized ideograms. | —0 | —0 |
Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components. | —0 | —0 |
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 |
|---|---|
Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.O*NET Task ID 17401 | 1.0 |
Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.O*NET Task ID 17408 | 1.0 |
Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.O*NET Task ID 17395 | 0.5 |
Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.O*NET Task ID 17396 | 0.5 |
Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.O*NET Task ID 17397 | 0.5 |
Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.O*NET Task ID 17398 | 0.5 |
Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.O*NET Task ID 17400 | 0.5 |
Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.O*NET Task ID 17405 | 0.5 |
Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.O*NET Task ID 17407 | 0.5 |
Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.O*NET Task ID 17399 | 0.0 |
Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.O*NET Task ID 17402 | 0.0 |
Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.O*NET Task ID 17404 | 0.0 |
Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.O*NET Task ID 17406 | 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®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (13)
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 |
|---|---|
| Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns. | Core |
| Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality. | Core |
| Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions. | Core |
| Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports. | Core |
| Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method. | Core |
| Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information. | Core |
| Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety. | Core |
| Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components. | Core |
| Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination. | Core |
| Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes. | Core |
| Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities. | Core |
| Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues. | Core |
| Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions. | Supplemental |
0.39/ 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 |
|---|---|
| Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality. | E2 structured facilities |
| Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions. | E0 none |
| Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes. | E0 none |
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 3212.1.2Same scope
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.
- biomedical scientistESCO 3212.1This occupation is narrower
Biomedical scientists perform all laboratory methods required as part of medical examination, treatment and research activities, particularly clinical-chemical, haematological, immuno-haematological, histological, cytological, microbiological, parasitological, mycological, serological and radiological tests. They perform analytical sample testing and report the results to the medical staff for further diagnosis. Biomedical Scientists may apply these methods in particular in the infection, blood or cellular sciences.
- bacteriology technicianESCO 3141.2.1Overlapping, not the same
Bacteriology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing bacteria using laboratory equipment. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3313 | Técnicos en anatomía patológica y citología | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
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 narrowerprovisional |
| 81213 | Medizinisch-technische Berufe im Laboratorium - komplexe Spezialistentätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
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