How to Be Immunoassay Technologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Immunoassay technologists use their knowledge of biochemistry and immunology to analyze bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose and monitor diseases. Their work is integral in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various diseases, and their effects can be far-reaching. By detecting the presence of antibodies and other proteins, they can help identify a wide range of conditions, from infections to cancer.

Furthermore, their analysis can provide insight into the effectiveness of treatments, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients. The work of immunoassay technologists has a direct impact on the lives of those affected by medical conditions, and can contribute to a better quality of life.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming an immunoassay technologist is to obtain a bachelors degree in a related field such as biology, biochemistry, or medical technology. Most employers prefer to hire individuals with a degree in one of these fields.
Obtain On-The-Job Training. Once you have obtained your bachelors degree, the next step is to obtain on-the-job training in immunoassay technology. Many employers will provide this training and it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the employers requirements.
Apply for Certification. After you have obtained the necessary training, you can then apply for certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This certification will show potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to be an effective immunoassay technologist.
Obtain a Job. Once you have obtained your certification, you can then begin to look for employment as an immunoassay technologist. You may want to consider contacting local hospitals, research facilities, and pharmaceutical companies to inquire about open positions.
Maintain Certification. Finally, it is important to remember that your certification must be maintained in order to remain employed as an immunoassay technologist. You will need to participate in continuing education and stay up-to-date on advances in the field in order to maintain your certification.

Immunoassay technologists must stay current and efficient in their work by regularly attending educational workshops and seminars, staying informed on the latest advancements in technology, and utilizing the latest software, tools, and protocols. Additionally, participating in professional organizations and networking with peers in the field can help immunoassay technologists stay connected to the latest trends and developments in their field. By keeping up-to-date on the newest research, technologies, and industry standards, immunoassay technologists can ensure they are providing the highest quality services to their patients and employers.

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Job Description

Prepare and analyze immunoassay specimens using ELISA, RIA, and other immunoassay techniques
Develop new methods for conducting immunoassays
Troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment
Perform routine quality control tests
Monitor and document the accuracy and precision of test results
Interpret and analyze test results
Prepare detailed reports of findings
Train laboratory personnel in immunoassay procedures
Collaborate with laboratory scientists to develop new immunoassay techniques
Participate in research projects involving immunoassays

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge and experience of a wide range of immunoassay techniques, including ELISA, RIA, and immunofluorescence assays.
Expertise in the use and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment related to immunoassay, such as microplate readers, spectrophotometers, and centrifuges.
Proficiency in the calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Ability to develop, validate, optimize, and troubleshoot new assay protocols.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret data from immunoassay experiments.
Ability to read and comprehend scientific literature related to immunoassay techniques.
Knowledge of quality control measures, and ability to ensure that experiments are performed according to established protocols.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Immunoassay Technologists must possess a wide array of technical skills to be successful in their role. A strong understanding of laboratory techniques and protocols is essential, as is an in-depth knowledge of the principles of immunology and biochemistry. Furthermore, they must be able to use specialized equipment and software to accurately test and analyze samples.

Good communication skills are also necessary, as Immunoassay Technologists need to be able to accurately explain their findings to colleagues and other professionals. Finally, they must be able to accurately record and interpret data, as well as maintain organized records of results. These skills, when combined, enable Immunoassay Technologists to confidently and accurately produce reliable results that can be used to diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the immunoassay field?
What processes and protocols do you follow when conducting an immunoassay test?
How do you ensure accuracy and precision when performing an immunoassay test?
Describe how you troubleshoot any errors or issues that arise during an immunoassay test.
What is your experience with the different types of immunoassay tests?
How do you stay up-to-date on developments in the immunoassay field?
Explain how you develop and quality control new assays.
What safety measures do you take when preparing, calibrating, and running an immunoassay test?
In what ways have you improved the efficiency of immunoassay testing processes?
How do you handle highly sensitive samples during an immunoassay test?

Common Tools in Industry

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). An immunoassay technique used to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample. (eg: ELISA can be used to detect the presence of antibodies to HIV in a patient's blood sample. )
Western Blot. A laboratory technique used to separate and identify proteins in a sample. (eg: Western blotting can be used to identify the presence of specific proteins associated with a particular disease. )
Flow Cytometry. A laboratory technique used to measure the physical and chemical characteristics of individual cells in a sample. (eg: Flow cytometry can be used to measure the expression of certain proteins in cancer cells. )
Immunohistochemistry. A laboratory technique used to detect the presence of specific proteins in tissue samples. (eg: Immunohistochemistry can be used to detect the presence of specific antigens in tumor cells. )
Radioimmunoassay. A laboratory technique used to measure the concentration of specific antigens in a sample. (eg: Radioimmunoassay can be used to measure the amount of hormone present in a patient's blood sample. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (ACB)
Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
Clinical Immunoassay Manufacturers Association (CIMA)
International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC)
National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB)
Society for Immunoassay and Molecular Diagnostics (SIMD)
Society for Pediatric Pathology (SPP)
World Association for Clinical Laboratories (WACL)

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Common Important Terms

Antibodies. Proteins produced by the immune system that recognize and bind to specific substances in the body.
Antigens. Substances that cause an immune response, such as a virus or bacteria.
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). A common laboratory technique used to measure the amount of a specific antigen or antibody in a sample.
Immunofluorescence. A laboratory technique that uses fluorescent molecules to detect and identify specific antigens or antibodies.
Flow Cytometry. A laboratory technique that uses a flow cytometer to analyze cells based on their physical and chemical characteristics.
Western Blotting. A laboratory technique used to detect and measure proteins in a sample.
Immunoprecipitation. A laboratory technique used to separate proteins from a cell or tissue sample.
RIA (Radioimmunoassay). A laboratory technique used to measure the amount of a specific antigen or antibody in a sample using radioactivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Immunoassay Technologist?

An Immunoassay Technologist is a laboratory professional who specializes in performing immunoassays, tests used to measure the presence or concentration of substances in a sample, such as hormones, proteins, and antibodies.

What qualifications are needed to become an Immunoassay Technologist?

To become an Immunoassay Technologist, typically a bachelors degree in medical technology or a related field is necessary. Additionally, technologists should obtain certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.

What are some of the duties of an Immunoassay Technologist?

Some of the duties of an Immunoassay Technologist include preparing samples for testing, running assays, analyzing results, and maintaining lab equipment. They also record and report test results accurately and in a timely manner.

What types of tests does an Immunoassay Technologist perform?

Immunoassay Technologists typically perform tests such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), RIA (radioimmunoassay), EIA (enzyme immunoassay), and CLIA (chemiluminescent immunoassay).

What is the job outlook for Immunoassay Technologists?

The job outlook for Immunoassay Technologists is very positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% growth rate in the field between 2018 and 2028, which is much higher than the average for all occupations.