ISCO-08 3212
Medical and pathology laboratory technicians
26.5%
ADI · 262nd of 433 · 95% interval 18.5–35.7
An AI agent can at least partly carry out 26.5% of the task time of medical and pathology laboratory technicians, and finish 0.0% alone. The barrier that holds most of the rest back is access to the systems the work runs on.
ADI · partial or full26.5%
262nd of 433 · interval 18.5–35.7
ADI3 · full delegation0.0%
201st of 433 · interval 0.0–0.0
ADIs · share of time28.0%
254th of 433 · interval 23.9–32.4
Evidence95
task statements rated by two models and weighted by importance and frequency. World employment: 2.3 million.
Task weight by level
How the tasks rate
L0No meaningful role · 25.9%L1Augmentation · 47.6%L2Partial delegation · 26.5%L3Full delegation · 0.0%
Barriers
What stops the agent
Share of task weight flagged by each barrier; a task can carry several.
95 task statements, heaviest first
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount tissue specimens on glass slides.Histology Technicians | 2.6% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 12 min | Physical presence |
| Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.Histology Technicians | 2.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 28 min | Physical presence |
| Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.Histology Technicians | 2.5% | L0 | L1L0 | 10% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.Histology Technicians | 2.5% | L0 | L0L1 | 11% | 15 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Examine cell samples to detect abnormalities in the color, shape, or size of cellular components and patterns.Cytotechnologists | 1.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 15 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Archive diagnostic material, such as histologic slides and blocks.Histology Technicians | 1.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Document specimens by verifying patients' and specimens' information.Cytotechnologists | 1.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 42% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 1.7% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.Histology Technicians | 1.7% | L1 | L1L2 | 18% | 50 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Maintain laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.Histology Technicians | 1.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 21% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 1.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Examine specimens, using microscopes, to evaluate specimen quality.Cytotechnologists | 1.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Submit slides with abnormal cell structures to pathologists for further examination.Cytotechnologists | 1.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 10 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions.Cytotechnologists | 1.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 2.2 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety.Cytotechnologists | 1.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 22% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
Show the other 80 tasks
| Task statement (O*NET occupation) | Weight | Level | Sonnet · Haiku | Share | Human time | Barriers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 1.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 1.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 50 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Provide patient clinical data or microscopic findings to assist pathologists in the preparation of pathology reports.Cytotechnologists | 1.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Freeze tissue specimens.Histology Technicians | 1.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 12 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 35 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Cut sections of body tissues for microscopic examination, using microtomes.Histotechnologists | 1.4% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 35 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 30 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.4% | L2 | L2L3 | 78% | 12 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Embed tissue specimens into paraffin wax blocks, or infiltrate tissue specimens with wax.Histotechnologists | 1.4% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Stain tissue specimens with dyes or other chemicals to make cell details visible under microscopes.Histotechnologists | 1.3% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 1.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 18 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Compile materials for distribution to pathologists, such as surgical working drafts, requisitions, and slides.Histotechnologists | 1.3% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 30 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.3% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Assist pathologists or other physicians to collect cell samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or other method.Cytotechnologists | 1.2% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 1.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 20% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability |
| Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.2% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.2% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 50 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Perform tests by following physician instructions.Histotechnologists | 1.2% | L0 | L0L1 | 12% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 52 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Compile and maintain records of preventive maintenance and instrument performance checks according to schedule and regulations.Histotechnologists | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 22% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Assign tasks or coordinate task assignments to ensure adequate performance of laboratory activities.Cytotechnologists | 1.1% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 52 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Examine slides under microscopes to ensure tissue preparation meets laboratory requirements.Histotechnologists | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 8 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 1.1% | L0 | L0L0 | 6% | 9 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
| Prepare cell samples by applying special staining techniques, such as chromosomal staining, to differentiate cells or cell components.Cytotechnologists | 1.1% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Operate computerized laboratory equipment to dehydrate, decalcify, or microincinerate tissue samples.Histotechnologists | 1.1% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.1% | L1 | L1L2 | 28% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 2.5 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 6% | 42 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 1.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 22 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists · supplemental task | 1.0% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 1.0% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 18 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Prepare substances, such as reagents and dilution, and stains for histological specimens according to protocols.Histotechnologists | 1.0% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Perform procedures associated with histochemistry to prepare specimens for immunofluorescence or microscopy.Histotechnologists | 1.0% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 2.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Resolve problems with laboratory equipment and instruments, such as microscopes, mass spectrometers, microtomes, immunostainers, tissue processors, embedding centers, and water baths.Histotechnologists | 1.0% | L1 | L1L1 | 20% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Adjust, maintain, or repair laboratory equipment, such as microscopes.Cytotechnologists | 0.9% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 38 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare or use prepared tissue specimens for teaching, research or diagnostic purposes.Histotechnologists | 0.9% | L1 | L1L1 | 12% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Supervise histology laboratory activities.Histotechnologists | 0.9% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 4.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Identify tissue structures or cell components to be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases.Histotechnologists | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 25 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians · supplemental task | 0.8% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 20 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.8% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.8% | L0 | L2L0 | 30% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 30 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 38% | 1.4 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L3 | 70% | 18 min | Access to systems |
| Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 45 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists | 0.7% | L2 | L2L2 | 42% | 7.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L3 | 75% | 10 min | Access to systems |
| Perform electron microscopy or mass spectrometry to analyze specimens.Histotechnologists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 25% | 3.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 65% | 32 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 18% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 48% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 8% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 20% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 40% | 12 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Teach students or other staff.Histotechnologists | 0.6% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 60% | 10 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.Cytogenetic Technologists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 30 min | Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.Cytogenetic Technologists · supplemental task | 0.6% | L1 | L1L1 | 15% | 2.3 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.6% | L0 | L0L1 | 9% | 1.5 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 45 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.5% | L0 | L0L0 | 4% | 1.8 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Attend continuing education programs that address laboratory issues.Cytotechnologists | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 40% | 2.8 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.5% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 5.0 h | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.5% | L1 | L1L1 | 10% | 45 min | Physical presence, Access to systems |
| Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 40% | 30 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.5% | L1 | L1L2 | 30% | 1.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 55% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Examine specimens to detect abnormal hormone conditions.Cytotechnologists · supplemental task | 0.4% | L1 | L1L2 | 32% | 22 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 62% | 18 min | Trust and care, Access to systems |
| Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 68% | 40 min | Accountability, Access to systems |
| Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.4% | L2 | L2L2 | 50% | 52 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.3% | L2 | L2L2 | 58% | 40 min | Physical presence, Accountability, Access to systems |
| Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.Cytogenetic Technologists | 0.2% | L2 | L2L2 | 52% | 9.0 h | Physical presence, Accountability, Trust and care |
Level: consensus of the two models (the lower level when they disagree). Share: part of the task’s working time an agent could take over. Human time: minutes a competent person needs for one instance, as estimated by the models.
Against other measures
Exposure is not delegation
| Measure | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| ADI (this index) | 26.5% | 40 |
| Eloundou et al. (2024), GPT exposure β | 0.289 | 47 |
| Felten et al. (2021), AI occupational exposure | 0.214 | 58 |
| Webb (2020), AI patent exposure | – | – |
| Eisfeldt et al. (2026), generative AI exposure | 0.16 | 49 |
| Anthropic Economic Index, observed use | – | – |
Earlier indices measure whether AI can touch a task; ADI measures how much of it an agent can carry out from a goal. – : the source does not cover this occupation.
Same sub-major group (32)
Neighbouring occupations
Dashed line: medical and pathology laboratory technicians (26.5%).
Cite this record
Text
Espinal Maya, Cristian, and Santiago Jiménez Londoño. 2026. ADI v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and MCP server. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918. Record: Medical and pathology laboratory technicians (ISCO-08 3212), https://balamlabs.org/adi/occupations/3212
BibTeX
@misc{espinal2026adidata,
title = {{ADI} v2026.1: Agent Delegability Index data, code and {MCP} server},
author = {Espinal Maya, Cristian and Jim{\'e}nez Londo{\~n}o, Santiago},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Zenodo},
version = {v2026.1},
doi = {10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
url = {https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23552918},
note = {Record: Medical and pathology laboratory technicians (ISCO-08 3212)}
}Machine-readable
The same record as static JSON, with its citation: /adi/v2026.1/isco/3212.json.