Cytogenetic Technologist

Job Summary:

To prepare, examine, and analyze chromosomes found in biological samples such as blood, amniotic fluids, and bone marrow in order to diagnose and treat genetic diseases.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of human genetics, molecular biology, tissue culture, and basic hematology. Knowledge of specimen requirements, handling and culturing living cells, chromosome morphology, chromosome abnormalities, and methods of chromosome analysis. Ability to analyze and interpret results of cytogentic tests. Ability to determine the proper method necessary for specimen processing and analysis. Ability to maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and chemicals. Ability to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards and practices.

Responsibilities:

Receives, logs, and stores specimens; determines appropriate test procedures and billing codes in accordance with established guidelines.

Initiates, maintains, and harvests cell cultures; prepares and stains slides for microscopical diagnosis for blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, tumor, and solid tissues.

Performs microscopical analysis, image capturing, and karotype and prepares /reviews reports of findings and diagnosis on each specimen.

Makes up and prepares tissue culture media, reagents stocks and work solutions, chemicals, and staining solution for routine and special cytogentic studies; maintains supplies and reagents and orders laboratory supplies when needed.

Maintains accurate records of culture processing, specimen labeling, chromosomal analysis, computer data back-up, archive and storage, and daily equipment performance.

Participates in orientation or training of residents, technicians, and new laboratory staff; ensures compliance with federal and state health and safety regulations and laboratory QA, QC, and QM programs.

The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Requires frequent exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, constant handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, constant exposure to biohazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, occasional activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, constant work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, occasional bending, occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, occasional pushing/pulling, occasional reaching, frequent sitting, frequent standing, occasional twisting, and frequent walking. (occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, Or Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology or Associate degree in Chemical or Biological Science or Medical Laboratory Technology from accredited institution. Must also have at least one year of training and/or experience in Clinical Cytogenetics and qualify as high complexity testing personnel, which is met by educational requirements above.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Cytogenetics Technologist Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology, Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP)