In what fields would a lab technician need to separate & identify organic items?
I looked it up and it said organic chemistry, forensics.. . I'm not which one because couldn't it range?
Explain using several examples of the fields & specific reasons technicians in these fields would run these test?
Organic chemist, pharmacy to develop new drugs, certainly forensics, med tech in hospital or similar setting, teaching, water analysis for organic pollutants, and a host of others. I know a number of MDs who didn't like the "beside manner" requirements and they are doing research with pharmacy firms. I also know Ph.D. organic chemists who are working at the same pharmacy firm(s) helping with that research. The Ph.Ds are better at synthesizing new products and the MDs are better at how those products should/do react with the body.
Yes, you are correct. The field in which a lab technician needs to separate and identify organic items can vary depending on the specific application. However, there are a few common fields where this skillset is commonly required:
1. Organic Chemistry: Lab technicians working in organic chemistry laboratories frequently need to separate and identify organic compounds. This includes synthesizing, isolating, purifying, and characterizing organic substances for research or industrial purposes.
2. Forensic Science: In forensic laboratories, lab technicians may need to separate and identify organic materials such as drugs, toxins, trace evidence (e.g., fibers, hair, or biological samples), or explosive residues. This is crucial in criminal investigations or determining the cause of death.
3. Environmental Science: Lab technicians working in environmental science may be responsible for analyzing organic pollutants in air, water, soil, or biological samples. This can involve the separation and identification of organic compounds to assess environmental quality or determine sources of contamination.
4. Pharmaceutical Industry: Lab technicians in pharmaceutical companies often conduct analysis and quality control tests on organic compounds used in drugs. This includes separating and identifying active ingredients, impurities, or degradation products to ensure product safety and efficacy.
5. Food and Beverage Industry: In food and beverage production, lab technicians may need to separate and identify organic components such as flavors, additives, contaminants, or nutrients. This helps ensure product quality and compliance with regulations.
These are just a few examples of fields where lab technicians commonly separate and identify organic items. It's important to note that the specific job requirements may differ within each field, so it is always a good idea to research and explore specific industries or sectors that align with your interests.