Cytogenetics Technologist

We are seeking a highly skilled Cytogenetics Technologist to join our team at Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. As a Cytogenetics Technologist, you will play a critical role in the analysis and interpretation of genetic data, working closely with our medical team to provide accurate and timely results.

• Perform all aspects of cytogenetic analysis, including tissue culture, cell harvesting, slide preparation, and banding.
• Utilize laboratory instruments independently and perform troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform all aspects of pre-analytic workflow, ensuring orders are entered correctly and specimens are collected and processed appropriately.
• Verify orders and non-patient information according to established protocol.
• Handle unresolved orders and troubleshoot as needed.
• Verify specimens for add-on tests and generate add-on test orders if approved.
• Collect, receive, and process specimens, verifying they are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt.
• Evaluate specimens for appropriateness and take necessary corrective action.
• Aliquot specimens according to established protocols.
• Maintain test system integrity, performing preventative maintenance on instruments and verifying reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria.
• Perform and record all necessary quality control required for test system performance.
• Evaluate QC results and take necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
• Perform specimen preparation, documenting all aspects of sample preparation in required forms.
• Perform tests, prioritizing testing based on assignment or established priorities, and completing testing within defined turn-around-times.
• Respond effectively to changes in the workflow, coordinating simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Perform technical review and interpretation, reviewing results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.
• Evaluate test results/reactions and provide accurate interpretations as appropriate, including correlation with and integration of other patient data as necessary.
• Perform visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
• Troubleshoot and solve problems, recognizing test system performance problems and taking necessary corrective actions.
• Recognize when unresolved problems need to be escalated and take necessary follow-up action.
• Print pending logs and follow-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
• Store specimens and related materials according to protocols for location and duration.
• Retrieve specimen and related materials when needed.
• Conduct validation studies under the direction of coordinator or director.
• Perform all aspects of the post-analytic workflow, ensuring accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed.
• Verify and report results, performing computer functions necessary for releasing results, generating written reports according to established protocol, and reviewing printed reports when applicable.
• Amend reports, correcting erroneous reports and amending reports according to procedure.
• Respond to inquiries, responding to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information.
• Recognize when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and take action.
• Store documents and records according to established protocol.
• Perform charge capture/billing, recognizing billing problems and escalating accordingly.
• Ensure quality of operations, following written standard operating procedures, operating instruments/equipment according to protocol, and using computers according to established protocol.
• Meet competency standards of the department, participate in the training of new employees and students, and perform operational review of new procedures.
• Attend at least one personal development session per year.
• Perform other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality of operations.
• Ensure safety of operations, following all required safety procedures, using personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed, and maintaining a clean and organized work area.
• Provide service excellence, answering telephones when needed, using NMH telephone etiquette, maintaining patient confidentiality, and assisting patients and other contacts whenever needed.