Will “Cytologist” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

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Job Description

Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, or treatment of genetic diseases.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 29-2011.01

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Cytogenetic Technologists”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Cytologist”

Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.
Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in Internations System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.

Related Technology & Tools

Binocular compound microscopes
Incubators
Floor model drying chambers
Laboratory freezers
Desktop computers
Digital cameras
Water baths
Cell harvesters
Robotic harvesters
Liquid nitrogen containers
Safety gloves
Stereo microscopes
Microscope camera adapters
Hybridization ovens
Slide sorters
Glass water distillers
Microscope filters
Laboratory microwave ovens
Flat bottom microtiter plates
Reference thermometers
Masks
Bench-top autoclaves
Ultrasonic sterilization units
2 ml cryovials
Hot air sterilizers
Automated imaging systems
Counting chambers
Uncooled charge-coupled device cameras
Denaturation/hybridization systems
Automatic slide loading systems
Slide cassettes
25 ml pipettes
Interferometers
Microscope slides
Inverted compound microscopes
Water deionizers
Metaphase finding system software
1 ml pipettes
Cell culture tubes
Test tube racks
Mercury vapor lamps
4 ml cryovials
Fluorescent microscopes
Computerized karotype equipment
Photomicroscopes
Benchtop drying chambers
Media filtration systems
Laboratory refrigerators
pH meters
35m petri dishes
Fluorescent in situ hybridization FISH automation instruments
Pipette aids
Low speed refrigerated centrifuges
Glass flasks
Digital image printers
Biological safety cabinets
Vortex mixers
Steam autoclaves
Microarray scanners
Heated magnetic stirrers
Biological containment hoods
Phase contrast microscopes
Tachometers
10 ml pipettes

Geniel Genetics iGene
Image analysis software
Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
Lucia FISH
Lucia Comet Assay
Lucia CGH
Genial Genetics Shire
Lucia Karyo
Microsoft Excel
Lucia Metaphase Finder
Lucia MFISH
Genetix CytoVision
Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping
KARIO
Digital karyotyping software
Image capture software