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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Veterinary Laboratory Specialist

💰 $40,000 - $70,000

VeterinaryLaboratoryAnimal HealthDiagnostics

🎯 Role Definition

A Veterinary Laboratory Specialist performs hands-on diagnostic testing and specimen handling for animal health services, supporting clinicians, epidemiologists, and researchers. This role is responsible for processing and analyzing biological samples (blood, tissues, swabs, feces), performing microbiology and molecular assays (culture, PCR, ELISA), preparing and staining slides for cytology and histopathology, ensuring laboratory quality control and biosafety, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and delivering timely, accurate results through laboratory information systems (LIS). The specialist supports necropsy procedures, maintains chain-of-custody documentation, and helps the laboratory meet accreditation and regulatory requirements (AAVLD, USDA, state public health).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Veterinary/Animal Care Technician or Veterinary Assistant
  • Clinical Laboratory Assistant or Laboratory Technician (human or veterinary)
  • Recent graduate with AS/BS in Veterinary Technology, Biology, or Clinical Laboratory Science

Advancement To:

  • Senior Veterinary Laboratory Specialist / Lead Technologist
  • Laboratory Supervisor or Manager (Diagnostic/Reference Lab)
  • Clinical Microbiologist / Molecular Diagnostics Specialist
  • Quality Assurance/Compliance Officer in veterinary diagnostics

Lateral Moves:

  • Field Diagnostic Technician / Outbreak Response Specialist
  • Research Assistant or Laboratory Scientist in academia or industry
  • Quality Control/Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Collect, label, process, and triage clinical specimens (blood, serum, plasma, tissues, swabs, urine, feces) from companion animals, livestock, and wildlife, ensuring proper chain-of-custody, temperature control, and sample integrity for accurate downstream testing.
  • Perform routine and complex diagnostic assays including hematology (CBCs, blood smears), clinical chemistry panels, coagulation testing, and serology (ELISA, IFA) following established SOPs and laboratory quality control procedures to deliver reliable results to veterinarians and stakeholders.
  • Conduct microbiology workflows: culture and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens, set up and interpret culture plates, perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Kirby-Bauer, MIC) and maintain culture logs and incubation records according to biosafety guidelines.
  • Execute molecular diagnostics including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR setup and amplification, gel electrophoresis, and interpretation of results, maintaining strict contamination control and performing instrument validation and calibration.
  • Prepare tissue samples for histology: gross examination, fixation, tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, mounting, and staining (H&E, special stains), and coordinate slide submission to pathologists for interpretation.
  • Perform cytology sample preparation and staining (Diff-Quik, Wright-Giemsa), microscopically evaluate slides for cellularity, morphology, parasites, and preliminary diagnostic impressions, and document findings in the LIS.
  • Maintain and operate automated analyzers and microscopy equipment (hematology analyzers, chemistry analyzers, immunoassay platforms, centrifuges, biosafety cabinets), perform routine preventative maintenance, trouble-shoot failures, and coordinate service or calibration with vendors.
  • Implement and document quality assurance and quality control activities: run controls, maintain QC logs, record corrective actions, participate in proficiency testing, and support laboratory accreditation (AAVLD, CAP, ISO) and regulatory inspections.
  • Prepare and dispense reagents, solutions, and media (culture media, fixatives, staining reagents), ensure reagent quality and expiration tracking, and prepare standard operating procedures for reagent preparation when required.
  • Record, interpret, and transmit diagnostic data and results accurately in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), generate lab reports, flag critical values for immediate clinician notification, and ensure HIPAA/state privacy and data security compliance when applicable.
  • Assist with necropsy procedures: assist in post-mortem examinations, collect, label and document tissues for histology, microbiology, or toxicology, photograph gross lesions, and maintain necropsy logs and chain-of-custody documentation.
  • Maintain biosafety and biosecurity standards: enforce PPE usage, handle and dispose of biohazardous and sharps waste correctly, maintain up-to-date SDS documentation, and participate in lab safety training and emergency response drills.
  • Participate in outbreak investigations and surveillance testing: process high-throughput sample loads, prioritize urgent submissions, adapt workflows for surge capacity, and coordinate with state/federal agencies for confirmatory testing and reporting.
  • Train and mentor junior laboratory staff, veterinary technicians, students, and interns in specimen handling, laboratory techniques, instrument operation, and safety practices; provide feedback and document competency assessments.
  • Manage inventory and supplies: monitor stock levels, place reagent and consumable orders, coordinate with procurement, and track lot numbers and expiration dates to prevent testing disruptions.
  • Prepare and ship diagnostic specimens and isolates to external reference laboratories following IATA, USDA, and carrier requirements; complete required documentation and coordinate freight logistics for regulated materials.
  • Develop, review, and update laboratory protocols, SOPs, and validation documentation; participate in method validation studies, verification of new assays, and continuous process improvement initiatives to increase accuracy, efficiency, and throughput.
  • Communicate technical results and testing limitations effectively to veterinarians, researchers, and clients, provide interpretive comments when appropriate, and escalate complex or unexpected findings to senior staff or pathologists.
  • Participate in data collection and basic analysis for internal and collaborative research projects, maintain accurate lab notebooks and electronic data records, and contribute to reports or publications when applicable.
  • Maintain accurate billing, accessioning, and coding for diagnostic tests, assist with reconciliation of billing queries, and ensure compliance with institutional and payer requirements for test ordering and reporting.
  • Support cross-functional laboratory projects such as instrument validation, LIS implementation/upgrades, or workflow redesigns; participate actively in project meetings and user acceptance testing.
  • Assist in emergency on-call rotations as needed for after-hours testing, urgent necropsies, or outbreak response, ensuring the laboratory provides timely diagnostic support to clinicians and public health partners.
  • Adhere to ethical and animal welfare standards during specimen collection and handling, collaborate with veterinary staff on best practices for minimal stress sampling, and document sedation or anesthesia when used for sample acquisition.

Secondary Functions

  • Contribute to continuous improvement by documenting process bottlenecks and proposing workflow enhancements to increase turnaround time and diagnostic accuracy.
  • Support training programs and create instructional materials (quick reference guides, SOP updates, competency checklists) to standardize laboratory techniques across shifts.
  • Assist quality and compliance teams with internal audits, corrective action plans, and documentation required for external accreditation and certification activities.
  • Participate in outreach and client education activities by explaining sample submission requirements, providing pre-test counseling to clinics, and supporting disease surveillance communications.
  • Help maintain laboratory metrics dashboards (turnaround time, QC pass rates, sample volume) and provide regular performance reports to lab leadership to inform staffing and resource planning.
  • Collaborate with procurement to evaluate new vendors, sample kits, and consumable contracts to optimize cost, quality, and supply chain resilience.
  • Support research collaborations by preparing study-specific samples, following study protocols, and ensuring traceability and data integrity for sponsored projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Clinical specimen collection and processing (blood, serum, plasma, urine, feces, tissues, swabs) with strong chain-of-custody and cold-chain handling skills.
  • Microbiology techniques: culture isolation, streaking, plate reading, Gram staining, biochemical identification, MALDI-TOF familiarity, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Kirby-Bauer, MIC).
  • Molecular diagnostics: nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR setup and interpretation, contamination control, and experience with real-time PCR platforms.
  • Serology and immunoassays: ELISA setup, interpretation, and troubleshooting of immunodiagnostic platforms.
  • Histology and cytology: tissue grossing, fixation, embedding, microtomy, H&E and special stains, slide preparation, cytologic evaluation, and slide documentation.
  • Automated hematology and clinical chemistry analyzers operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • Laboratory Information System (LIS) use for accessioning, result entry, report generation, and interfacing with electronic medical records.
  • Quality assurance and control: running controls, maintaining QC records, participating in proficiency testing, and knowledge of AAVLD/CAP/ISO standards.
  • Biosafety and biosecurity practices: PPE, BSL protocols, hazardous waste disposal, and handling of select agents (when applicable) under regulatory guidelines.
  • Laboratory equipment maintenance, vendor coordination for repairs, and instrument validation and verification experience.
  • Sample shipping and regulatory compliance: IATA, USDA, and federal/state rules for diagnostic specimen transport.
  • Data documentation, secure record keeping, and basic data analysis skills for lab metrics and study support.

Soft Skills

  • Detail-oriented with strong observational skills to detect subtle abnormalities in slides, cultures, and instrument QC.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication to convey technical results clearly to veterinarians, researchers, and clients.
  • Strong time-management and organizational skills to prioritize urgent tests and manage high-volume workflows.
  • Team player who mentors junior staff, collaborates with clinicians, and responds constructively to feedback.
  • Problem-solving and troubleshooting aptitude for resolving instrument issues, assay failures, or sample quality concerns.
  • Adaptability and resilience to work changing priorities during outbreaks, after-hours needs, or seasonal surges.
  • Ethical judgment and professionalism when handling sensitive clinical data, animal samples, and biohazardous materials.
  • Initiative and continuous learning mindset to stay current with evolving diagnostic methods and laboratory technologies.
  • Customer service orientation with tact and empathy when interacting with veterinary clients and field partners.
  • Teaching and training ability to develop competency assessments and onboard new staff efficiently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate degree (AS) in Veterinary Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field; or equivalent laboratory experience with documented competencies.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (BS) in Veterinary Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Animal Science.
  • Certification credentials preferred: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT), ASCP, or equivalent clinical laboratory certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Veterinary Technology
  • Clinical Laboratory Science / Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Microbiology / Molecular Biology
  • Animal Science / Veterinary Medicine

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in veterinary diagnostic labs, clinical pathology, microbiology labs, or research labs. Entry-level positions may accept strong internship or externship experience plus formal training.

Preferred:

  • 2–5 years in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or clinical pathology setting with demonstrated competence in microbiology, molecular diagnostics, histology, and hematology.
  • Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), quality management systems, and participation in accreditation processes (AAVLD, CAP, ISO).
  • Prior experience with sample shipping regulations and emergency/on-call diagnostics is highly desirable.
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