Impact of new technology on employment prospects in clinical pathology

Technological advances have changed the face of the clinical pathology laboratory. The introduction of automated instrumentation, computerisation and commercially prepared reagents has had a significant impact on the role, skills and employment prospect of laboratory scientists. The present study assessed the impact that technology has had amongst laboratory scientists employed in hospital biochemistry departments in N.S.W. The study showed that many traditional skills had been lost due to technological change. Very little growth is expected in the workforce over the next few years. New graduates should have difficulties in finding employment, especially in the routine areas of testing.