HealthcareISCO 2269
Biomedical scientist
A biomedical scientist is a person who carries out the laboratory methods that medical diagnosis, monitoring, treatment and research depend on, from designing, planning and organising an analytical process through applying it to evaluating, interpreting and validating the result. The output is a test report and a diagnostic opinion on material of biological origin.
Check yourself in a minute: biomedical scientist
Rate 5 of the 93 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
perform toxicological studies
respond to changing situations in health care
educate on the prevention of illness
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
use e-health and mobile health technologies
About biomedical scientist
The range of the work is wide. It covers haematology, microbiology, clinical immunology, cytopathology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and clinical biochemistry, and each of those is a field with its own methods and its own failure modes.
Sound method is at the centre of the work. The biomedical scientist applies qualitative and quantitative laboratory methods, including image analysis and digital pathology, performs toxicological testing, works with densitometry, and keeps to the quality standards that healthcare practice requires. Validation means checking a result against the controls and the method's limits before it is reported.
The work is closely tied to patient care. The biomedical scientist works to healthcare regulations, applies medical informatics to the data and the reporting, draws on human physiology to see whether a result is possible in a living patient, interacts with the people using the service, and builds collaborative therapeutic relationships. A laboratory report goes to a clinician who will make treatment decisions based on it.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (93)
biomedical sciencebiomedical scienceThe 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.techniques of blood-samplingtechniques of blood-samplingThe appropriate techniques for the collection of blood samples for laboratory work purposes, depending on the group of people targeted such as children or elderly.hygiene in a health care settinghygiene in a health care settingThe 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 equipmen...microbiology-bacteriologymicrobiology-bacteriologyMicrobiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.biological haematologybiological haematologyBiological haematology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.clinical immunologyclinical immunologyThe pathology of a disease in relation to its immune response and immune system.health care legislationhealth care legislationThe patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.bioethicsbioethicsThe implications of various ethical issues related to the new advancements in biotechnology and medicine such as human experimentation.biological chemistrybiological chemistryBiological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.analytical methods in biomedical sciencesanalytical methods in biomedical sciencesThe various research, mathematical or analytical methods used in biomedical sciences.medical terminologymedical terminologyThe meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.health care occupation-specific ethicshealth care occupation-specific ethicsThe 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 patie...clinical biochemistryclinical biochemistryThe various types of tests performed on bodily fluids such as electrolytes, renal function tests, liver function tests or minerals.blood transfusionblood transfusionThe 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.biomedical scientists' role in health care systembiomedical scientists' role in health care systemThe roles and responsibilities of a biomedical scientist under the health care regulation system.diagnostic methods in medical laboratorydiagnostic methods in medical laboratoryThe various types of diagnostic methods in the medical laboratory such as clinical-chemical methods, haematological methods, immune-haematological methods, histological methods, cytological methods an...automated analysers in the medical laboratoryautomated analysers in the medical laboratoryThe methods used to introduce samples into the laboratory instrument that analyses biological samples for diagnosis purpose.cross-matching techniques for blood transfusionscross-matching techniques for blood transfusionsThe testing methods used prior to a blood transfusion to identify if the donor`s blood is compatible with the blood of a specific recipient.human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.dermapathologydermapathologyThe cutaneous diseases at a microscopic and molecular level and the methods to analyse the potential causes of skin diseases at a basic level.biosafety in biomedical laboratorybiosafety in biomedical laboratoryThe 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 th...laboratory methods in biomedical scienceslaboratory methods in biomedical sciencesThe types, characteristics and procedures of laboratory techniques used for a wide range of medical tests such as serological tests.histopathologyhistopathologyThe procedures needed for the microscopic examination of stained tissue sections using histological techniques.biophysicsbiophysicsThe characteristics of biophysics which span across various fields, using methods from physics in order to study biological elements.immunologyimmunologyImmunology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.molecular biologymolecular biologyThe interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.human anatomyhuman anatomyThe dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and ...epidemiologyepidemiologyThe branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution and control of diseases. The disease aetiology, transmission, outbreak investigation, and comparisons of treatment effects.biostatisticsbiostatisticsThe methods used to apply statistics in biology-related topics.biomedical techniquesbiomedical techniquesThe various methods and techniques used in biomedical laboratory such as molecular and biomedical techniques, imaging techniques, genetic engineering, electrophysiology techniques and in silico techni...manage healthcare staffmanage healthcare staffThe managerial tasks and responsibilities required in a health care setting.medical informaticsmedical informaticsThe processes and tools used for the analysis and dissemination of medical data through computerized systems.transplantationtransplantationThe principles of organ and tissue transplantation, the principles of transplant immunology, immunosuppression, donation and procurement of tissue, and indications for organ transplantation.histologyhistologyThe microscopic analysis of cells and tissues.toxicologytoxicologyThe negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.chemistrychemistryThe 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 fa...immunohaematologyimmunohaematologyThe reactions of antibodies in relation to the pathogenesis and manifestation of blood disorders.clinical microbiologyclinical microbiologyThe science of identifying and isolating organisms that cause infectious diseases.medical geneticsmedical geneticsThe diagnosis, types and treatment of hereditary disorders; a type of genetics which refers to the application to medical care.densiometrydensiometryDiagnosis 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...pathologypathologyThe components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.embryologyembryologyThe 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.microscopic techniquesmicroscopic techniquesThe techniques, functions and limitations of microscopy to visualise objects that cannot be seen with the normal eye.radiation protectionradiation protectionThe measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.tissue cytogeneticstissue cytogeneticsThe procedure for visualising chromosomes in order to identify genetics defects such as chromosomal translocation.perform toxicological studiesperform toxicological studiesPerform 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.respond to changing situations in health carerespond to changing situations in health careCope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.educate on the prevention of illnesseducate on the prevention of illnessOffer 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 healt...inform policy makers on health-related challengesinform policy makers on health-related challengesProvide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.use e-health and mobile health technologiesuse e-health and mobile health technologiesUse mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.monitor the effects of medicationmonitor the effects of medicationCarry out tests on laboratory cultures to determine the effects of medication and other programmes of treatment.label medical laboratory sampleslabel medical laboratory samplesCorrectly label samples of the medical laboratory with the accurate information, according to the implemented quality system in place.provide test results to medical staffprovide test results to medical staffRecord and pass test results to medical staff, who use the information to diagnose and treat patient`s illness.analyse cell culturesanalyse cell culturesAnalyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.perform PCR covid testperform PCR covid testCollect 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 t...analyse body fluidsanalyse body fluidsTest 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.manage healthcare users' datamanage healthcare users' dataKeep 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, wr...deal with emergency care situationsdeal with emergency care situationsAssess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.perform reconstructive microsurgeryperform reconstructive microsurgeryTransfer 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, usin...provide health educationprovide health educationProvide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.assist in the production of laboratory documentationassist in the production of laboratory documentationAssist in documenting laboratory work, especially paying attention to policies and standard operating procedures.apply safety procedures in laboratoryapply safety procedures in laboratoryMake 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.communicate in healthcarecommunicate in healthcareCommunicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.validate biomedical analysis resultsvalidate biomedical analysis resultsClinically validate the results of the biomedical analysis, according to the expertise and authorization level.perform screening for infectious diseasesperform screening for infectious diseasesScreen and test for infectious diseases, such as rubella or hepatitis. Identify micro-organisms causing disease.apply scientific methodsapply scientific methodsApply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.advise on healthcare users' informed consentadvise on healthcare users' informed consentEnsure 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.perform stem cell transplantationperform stem cell transplantationCarry out bone marrow stem cell transplants.carry out biopsycarry out biopsyPerform 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.maintain medical laboratory equipmentmaintain medical laboratory equipmentRegularly check the condition of medical laboratory equipment used, clean, and perform maintenance operations, as necessary.keep up to date with diagnostic innovationskeep up to date with diagnostic innovationsKeep up to date with diagnostic innovations and apply newest methods of examination.record data from biomedical testsrecord data from biomedical testsUse information technology to accurately record and analyse data from biomedical tests, writing reports on the data and sharing results with the appropriate persons.comply with quality standards related to healthcare practicecomply with quality standards related to healthcare practiceApply 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 associati...comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply 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.listen activelylisten activelyGive 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 cus...adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.conduct health related researchconduct health related researchConduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.work in a multicultural environment in health carework in a multicultural environment in health careInteract, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.perform cerebrospinal fluid analysisperform cerebrospinal fluid analysisPerform and interpret a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.promote inclusionpromote inclusionPromote 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 envi...interact with healthcare usersinteract with healthcare usersCommunicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.provide treatment strategies for challenges to human healthprovide treatment strategies for challenges to human healthIdentify 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.perform pathology consultationsperform pathology consultationsPerform 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.manage infection control in the facilitymanage infection control in the facilityImplement a set of measures to prevent and control infections, formulating and establishing health and safety procedures and policies.apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy 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 s...develop a collaborative therapeutic relationshipdevelop a collaborative therapeutic relationshipDevelop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.implement quality control procedures for biomedical testsimplement quality control procedures for biomedical testsFollow quality control procedures, both internal and external, to make sure results from biomedical tests are accurate.apply context specific clinical competencesapply context specific clinical competencesApply 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 ...work in multidisciplinary health teamswork in multidisciplinary health teamsParticipate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.apply good clinical practicesapply good clinical practicesEnsure 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.support blood transfusion servicessupport blood transfusion servicesSupport blood transfusions and transplants through blood grouping and matching.accept own accountabilityaccept own accountabilityAccept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
Optional (29) — show
neoplasianeoplasiaThe characteristics of tumour formation, genetics, growth, cellular transformation and clonality.electroencephalographyelectroencephalographyThe 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 f...intracranial hypertensionintracranial hypertensionThe pathophysiology of elevated intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion, the influence of blood gases, blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance.medical parasitologymedical parasitologyThe parasites that infect humans, the diseases they cause, potential responses, the methods of their diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control.multidisciplinary researchmultidisciplinary researchThe research technique where a common issue is investigated using approaches from different disciplines with the aim of finding a comprehensive solution to it.proteomicsproteomicsThe study of proteomes (i.e., the complements of proteins within cells, tissues or organisms), and their interactions and behaviours, under specific conditions.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.hepatologyhepatologyThe characteristics of the liver, biliary tree, gallbladder, and pancreas, as well as management of their disorders.cryopreservationcryopreservationCryopreservation 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 testicl...medical device vigilance reporting systemsmedical device vigilance reporting systemsThe various vigilance systems for medical devices such as haemovigilance and pharmavigilance.first aidfirst aidThe emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...examine samples in dermatologyexamine samples in dermatologyPrepare tissue, blood or skin samples for examination procedures and analyse them by running chemical and biological tests.conduct routine blood testingconduct routine blood testingPerform routine tests on blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites.collect biological samples from patientscollect biological samples from patientsFollow recommended processes to collect bodily fluids or samples from patients for further laboratory testing, assisting the patient as required.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand 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...apply numeracy skillsapply numeracy skillsPractise reasoning and apply simple or complex numerical concepts and calculations.conduct training on biomedical equipmentconduct training on biomedical equipmentTrain clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of biomedical equipment.interpret electromyogramsinterpret electromyogramsAnalyse and interpret electromyograms or EMGs to detect the electrical potential generated by muscle cells when these cells are electrically or neurologically activated.perform diagnostic testing for allergiesperform diagnostic testing for allergiesPerform diagnostic testing for allergies to drugs, vaccines, or other substances used in medicinal treatment.monitor biomedical equipment stockmonitor biomedical equipment stockKeep track of the day-to-day biomedical equipment usage. Maintain stock levels and records, such as blood transfusion stock levels.explain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsexplain the molecular basis of a disease to patientsExplain to patients the basis of their disease from the molecular and metabolic points of view and how therapies can affect their lifestyles.perform virological testperform virological testSelect, perform and interpret relevant virological tests related to eye infections, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, etc.use foreign languages for health-related researchuse foreign languages for health-related researchUse foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake 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 condit...have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.use foreign languages in patient careuse foreign languages in patient careCommunicate 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.research new treatments for blood related disordersresearch new treatments for blood related disordersResearch cures and new diagnostic techniques for leukaemia and related blood cancers.carry out flow cytometrycarry out flow cytometryIntegrate and interpret data generated from flow cytometry histograms into the diagnostic, such as diagnose malignant lymphoma, using flow cytometry technology.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a biomedical scientist do?
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.
What skills does a biomedical scientist need?
A biomedical scientist needs 93 essential skills, including biomedical science, techniques of blood-sampling, hygiene in a health care setting, microbiology-bacteriology, biological haematology.
Will AI replace biomedical scientist jobs?
The AI disruption score for biomedical scientist is 41/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: medical terminology, record data from biomedical tests, label medical laboratory samples. Most resilient: deal with emergency care situations, develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship, empathise with the healthcare user.
AI Replacement Risk
41/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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